Headingley Cricket Ground is where legends are made and records are shattered. From Don Bradman’s epic 334 in 1930 to Ben Stokes’ unforgettable 135* in the 2019 Ashes this historic venue has witnessed some of cricket’s most thrilling moments. Whether you love Test battles ODI fireworks or T20 thrillers Headingley’s stats tell a story of grit glory and unforgettable drama.
The pitch at Headingley is as unpredictable as the matches it hosts. Early swing favors bowlers while later days reward patient batsmen making every session a new challenge. With records like England’s 653/4 (highest Test total) and Australia’s 63 all out (lowest), this ground proves no lead is ever safe. Add Stuart Broad’s 50+ wickets and Jos Buttler’s 46-ball T20 century and you’ve got a treasure trove of cricket history.
Planning a visit? We’ve got you covered from ticket tips and parking hacks to the best hotels just minutes from the stadium. Relive iconic performances decode pitch secrets and discover why Headingley remains one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
Key Hillights
✔ Historic records – Bradman’s 334, Stokes’ miracle chase, and more
✔ Pitch behavior – Why bowlers dominate early, batsmen thrive late
✔ Limited-overs stats – Buttler’s fastest ton, Rashid’s spin mastery
✔ Visitor guide – Hotels, parking, and how to snag the best tickets
Headingley Records & Statistics: The Ultimate Cricket Fan’s Guide (2025)
Headingley Cricket Ground isn’t just a stadium it’s a theater of dreams where legends are made. From Ben Stokes’ miraculous 135* in the 2019 Ashes to Sir Ian Botham’s iconic 149* in 1981, this hallowed turf has witnessed some of cricket’s most unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a stat-hungry fan or planning your first visit, our 2025 guide delivers everything: jaw-dropping records, pitch secrets, ticket hacks, and even where to park. We’ve combed through centuries of scorecards to bring you the most thrilling facts and practical tips in one place.
What makes Headingley truly special is its unpredictability. The pitch offers early swing for bowlers, flattens out for batsmen, and often produces nail-biting finishes. Did you know chasing 250+ in Tests here has only succeeded twice in history (including Stokes’ epic)? Or that Don Bradman’s 334 here stood as the world record for years? Below we break down the must-know stats, hidden gems, and how to experience the magic firsthand.
Key Highlights
✔ Test Records: Highest scores best bowling figures, and impossible chases
✔ ODI/T20 Stats: Jos Buttler’s 46-ball century and Adil Rashid’s dominance
✔ Pitch Report: Why Day 1 is a bowler’s paradise but Day 3 belongs to batsmen
✔ Ticket Tips: Where to sit and how to avoid scams for 2025 matches
✔ Local Hacks: Free parking spots and the best pubs near the ground
Headingley Records & Statistics The Complete 2025 Guide
Headingley Cricket Ground is one of England’s most iconic venues famous for dramatic Ashes battles record-breaking performances, and a pitch that keeps bowlers and batsmen on their toes. Whether you’re researching stats, planning a visit, or reliving cricket history this guide covers every key record player milestone and insider tip for 2025.
From Ben Stokes’ unforgettable 2019 Ashes heroics to Stuart Broad’s wicket-taking sprees, we break down Headingley’s most jaw-dropping moments. Plus get practical advice on tickets parking and nearby hotels to make your trip seamless.
Headingley Cricket Ground Key Facts & History
Opened in 1890, Headingley Cricket Ground is one of England’s most iconic sporting venues, renowned for hosting dramatic Ashes battles and record-breaking performances. With a capacity of 18,350 after recent renovations it offers an intimate yet electric atmosphere particularly at the bowler-friendly Kirkstall Lane End.
The ground has witnessed cricket history from Don Bradman’s legendary 334 in 1930 to Ben Stokes unforgettable 135* in the 2019 Ashes. Beyond cricket Headingley also serves as a major rugby league venue, adding to its rich sporting legacy.
✔ Established: 1890 (First Test: 1899)
✔ Capacity: 18,350 spectators
✔ Famous Ends: Kirkstall Lane (swing bowling) & Football Stand (shorter boundary)
✔ Multi-Sport Venue: Hosts cricket and rugby league matches
✔ Historic Moments: Bradman’s 334, Botham’s 149*, Stokes’ 2019 miracle
Stadium Overview & Legacy
Built in 1890, Headingley has hosted over 100 Test matches, including legendary Ashes clashes. With a capacity of 18,350, it’s intimate yet electric especially at the Kirkstall Lane End where swing bowlers thrive. The ground also hosts rugby league adding to its sporting prestige.
Pitch Behavior & Weather Impact
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Seam-friendly early, flattens later: Teams batting first average 350+ in Tests, but Day 1 favors bowlers.
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Rain factor: Leeds’ unpredictable weather often interrupts play (DLS comes into play in limited-overs games).
Famous Ends & Ground Dimensions
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Football Stand End: Shorter boundary, targeted by aggressive batsmen.
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Kirkstall Lane End: Swing bowler’s paradise (think James Anderson).
Key Stats:
✔ First Test: 1899 (England vs Australia)
✔ Capacity: 18,350 (after 2023 redevelopment)
✔ Highest Test Total: 653/4 (England vs Australia, 1938)
Headingley Test Match Records
Headingley’s Test history is written in dramatic moments and record-breaking feats. The ground witnessed Don Bradman’s monumental 334 in 1930 a score that stood as Test cricket’s highest individual innings for years. In more recent history Ben Stokes unbeaten 135 in 2019 produced arguably the greatest Ashes chase ever as England miraculously hunted down 362 with just one wicket remaining.
These bookend a century of iconic performances at cricket’s most unpredictable venue. The numbers reveal Headingley’s unique character. Teams batting first average 312 runs, but the pitch’s famous early movement has seen 47 instances of teams bowled out before 100.
England’s 653/4 in 1938 remains the highest Test total here while Australia’s 63 all out in 1977 shows how treacherous conditions can be. Stuart Broad dominates the bowling records with 50+ wickets but Bob Willis’ 8/43 in the 1981 Ashes stands as the definitive Headingley bowling performance.
✔ Highest Team Total: 653/4 by England vs Australia (1938)
✔ Lowest Team Total: 61 all out by Pakistan vs England (2018)
✔ Highest Individual Score: 334 by Don Bradman (1930)
✔ Best Bowling Figures: 8/43 by Bob Willis (1981 Ashes)
✔ Most Successful Chase: 362/9 by England vs Australia (2019)
✔ Most Career Wickets: Stuart Broad (50+ wickets at 24.5 average)
Batting Records
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Highest Individual Score: Don Bradman’s 334 (1930) – still unbeaten at Headingley.
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Most Runs: Geoff Boycott (2,485+ runs at 58+ average).
Bowling Records
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Best Figures: Bob Willis (8/43 in 1981 Ashes).
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Most Wickets: Stuart Broad (50+ wickets at 24.5 average).
Top 5 Test Totals at Headingley:
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 653/4 | Australia | 1938 |
| Australia | 620/5 | England | 1948 |
| England | 517/1 | Pakistan | 2006 |
Takeaway: Bat first, score big Headingley’s history favors massive first-innings totals.
ODI & T20 Records at Headingley
Headingley’s limited-overs history features explosive batting and clever bowling, with England posting the highest ODI total of 339/6 against Australia in 2018. Jos Buttler owns the standout T20 performance, smashing a 46-ball century against Sri Lanka the fastest T20I ton at the ground.
Spinners thrive in the middle overs, with Adil Rashid claiming 15+ T20 wickets at an impressive 6.5 economy rate. The pitch typically offers 175-190 as a competitive T20 total with chasing teams winning just 40% of matches.
✔ Highest ODI Total: 339/6 (England vs Australia, 2018)
✔ Fastest T20 Century: Jos Buttler (46 balls)
✔ Best T20 Bowling: Adil Rashid (15+ wickets at 6.5 economy)
✔ Average T20 Score: 175-190 (harder to chase)
✔ Memorable Moment: England’s world record 444/3 vs Pakistan (2016)
Limited-Oovers Highlights
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Highest ODI Total: 339/6 (England vs Australia, 2018).
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Fastest T20 Century: Jos Buttler (46-ball 100 vs Sri Lanka).
Key T20 Stats:
✔ Avg 1st-innings score: 175-190 (pitch slows later).
✔ Best bowler: Adil Rashid (15+ wickets at 6.5 economy).
Takeaway: *T20 chases are tricky aim for 10+ runs above par at Headingley.*
Hotels Near Headingley Cricket Ground
For cricket fans visiting Headingley these nearby hotels offer comfort and convenience just minutes from the stadium:
Top 5 Stays for Fans
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Headingley Lodge (0.3 miles) – Budget-friendly, 5-min walk to stadium.
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Weetwood Hall (1 mile) – Historic 4-star with lush gardens.
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Ibis Leeds Centre (2 miles) – Modern, near nightlife.
Pro Tip: *Book 6+ months early for Ashes matches!*
Parking & Transport Tips
Best Parking Options
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Stadium Car Park (£20/match day, fills fast).
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Woodhouse Lane (£10, 15-min walk).
Insider Hack: Park at Leeds Uni (free after 6 PM for evening games).
2025 Tickets & Upcoming Matches
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England vs India (Aug 2025): Tickets from £55 (general) to £200 (hospitality).
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How to Buy: Via Yorkshire CCC (avoid resale scams).
FAQs
1. What is the highest Test score at Headingley?
✅ England 653/4 (vs Australia, 1938) – The ground’s highest Test total, featuring Len Hutton’s then-world-record 364.
Where should I park for Headingley cricket matches?
✔ Stadium Car Park (limited, £20/day)
✔ Woodhouse Lane (£10, 15-min walk)
✔ Insider Tip: Leeds University offers free parking after 6 PM for evening games.
Which hotels are closest to Headingley Cricket Ground?
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Headingley Lodge (5-min walk)
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Weetwood Hall Estate (15-min walk)
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Ibis Leeds Centre (6-min drive)
4. How do I buy Headingley Test match tickets?
🎟️ Official Source: Yorkshire CCC website
⚠️ Avoid resale scams—purchase only through authorized sellers.
5. Is Headingley a batting or bowling pitch?
🔴 First 2 Days: Favors seam/swing bowlers (avg. 1st-innings score: ~280)
🟢 Days 3-5: Flattens out, better for batting (successful 250+ chases: only twice in history).
6. What’s the best stand to sit in at Headingley?
👀 Football Stand End: Shorter boundary, more sixes
🎯 Kirkstall Lane End: Best view for swing bowling
7. Who has the most wickets at Headingley?
🏏 Stuart Broad (50+ Test wickets), followed by James Anderson.
8. Can I visit Headingley for non-match days?
📸 Yes! Stadium tours run year-round book via Yorkshire CCC.
Conclusion
Headingley Cricket Ground isn’t just a stadium it’s where history unfolds. Whether you’re reliving Ben Stokes’ Ashes miracle analyzing Don Bradman’s 334 or planning your first visit, this iconic venue delivers unforgettable cricket. From Test records to T20 thrillers every match here carries the weight of legend.
Use this guide to explore Headingley’s stats master the pitch conditions and secure the best tickets and hotels. Now, you’re ready to experience cricket at its most dramatic just like the greats did.
