Discover Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, one of England’s most iconic stadiums. Famous for the 1981 Ashes Test comeback, Don Bradman’s triple centuries, and Geoffrey Boycott’s 100th hundred, Headingley remains a legendary venue in cricket history.
Headingley Cricket Ground, located in suburban Leeds, is one of the most historic venues in world cricket. It is best remembered for the 1981 Ashes Test, when England pulled off a miraculous victory against Australia by 18 runs. Following on 227 runs behind and struggling at 135/7 in the second innings, England turned the match around thanks to Ian Botham’s heroic batting and Bob Willis’s fiery bowling, overcoming odds of 500/1.
History of Headingley
- Established in 1888, with the first Test played in 1889 against South Africa.
- Home ground of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Yorkshire CCC).
- In 2005, Yorkshire CCC officially purchased the stadium for £12 million.
- Named after the Leeds suburb of Headingley, it shares its complex with the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Ground.
Legendary Records at Headingley
- 1930 & 1934: Sir Don Bradman scored two Test triple-centuries at Headingley.
- In 1930, Bradman scored 309 runs in a single day (the only instance of 300+ runs in a day in Test history).
- 1965: John Edrich smashed a triple hundred against New Zealand.
- 1977: Geoffrey Boycott scored his 100th career hundred against Australia at this ground.
- 1899: First-class cricket began at Headingley with Yorkshire vs Kent.
Unique Features of the Ground
- Unlike most cricket venues, Headingley has no pavilion – players use modern dressing rooms in the stands.
- The pitch is variable and often unpredictable.
- Under cloudy skies, it heavily assists seam bowlers, making it one of England’s most challenging Test wickets.
Why Headingley is Special
- Known for the 1981 Ashes miracle – one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
- Venue of Don Bradman’s historic triple centuries.
- Boycott’s 100th hundred milestone was achieved here.
- A ground that continues to test both batsmen and bowlers with its unique conditions.
