Headingley, Leeds — The Greatest Test Comeback Ground
Headingley in Leeds has produced some of cricket's most dramatic Tests. Learn about Botham's Ashes, Headingley 2019, and the ground's unique features.
About Headingley
Headingley Stadium in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and one of England's premier Test venues. With a capacity of approximately 18,350 for cricket, it is smaller than Lord's or The Oval — but its atmosphere is enormous and its history of dramatic comebacks is unmatched in the game.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
| Capacity (cricket) | ~18,350 |
| Established | 1890 |
| Home to | Yorkshire County Cricket Club |
| Famous for | 1981 Botham's Ashes; 2019 Stokes 135* |
Botham's Ashes — 1981
The 1981 Ashes Third Test at Headingley is one of cricket's most celebrated matches. England followed on after conceding a large first-innings lead and were at 135/7 in the second innings — effectively dead. Ian Botham then played 149 not out, one of the great Test innings. Bob Willis then took 8/43 with extreme pace and hostility to bowl Australia out for 111 — England won by 18 runs. Before Botham's innings, some Ladbrokes bookmakers had offered 500-1 on England winning.
Stokes at Headingley — 2019
History repeated itself in 2019. England needed 359 in the fourth innings to win the Ashes Third Test — near impossible. Ben Stokes arrived with England at 286/9 — one wicket left, 73 needed. Stokes hit 135 not out while Jack Leach (1 not out, 17 balls faced) kept his end up. England won by 1 wicket. It is the second of Headingley's legendary comebacks.
The Pitch
Headingley's pitch is known for assisting seam movement in overcast Yorkshire conditions. Early morning sessions can be bowler-friendly; as the day progresses, the pitch often flattens. By late summer (August), the surface can assist turn. The famous 'ridge' at the Football Stand End — a slight variance in the pitch — has contributed to unpredictable bounce.
Frequently asked questions
What is Headingley stadium also used for?
Headingley is a dual-use stadium — it also hosts rugby league (Leeds Rhinos). The cricket and rugby grounds share the same location and facilities, though they use separate playing areas. This makes Headingley one of the UK's few shared-code sports stadiums.
Who has scored the most runs at Headingley?
Geoff Boycott, the Yorkshire and England opener, scored heavily at Headingley over his career — and notably hit his 100th first-class century there against Australia in 1977, in front of his home crowd.