Essex Cricket Ground Celebrates a Century of Cricket

Historic images have been released to commemorate a century since the Essex County Cricket Club’s inaugural match at its Chelmsford ground. The club’s rich history is reflected in the archival photos, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the sport and the community surrounding it.

A Look Back at the Beginning

The club is sharing century-old photos to honor the anniversary of its first match. On June 20, 1925, the Essex side faced Oxford University at the County Ground. Before this stadium opened, matches took place in Brentwood and across Essex and east London.

Dan Feist, the chief executive, mentioned how the ground created a “unique feeling of closeness” for both fans and players. The club itself was established in 1876, following a meeting at Shire Hall in Chelmsford, and finally found a permanent home 49 years later.

Memorable Moments in Essex Cricket

The ground has been host to many historical moments. Graham Napier set records by scoring 16 sixes in a T20 innings in 2008, resulting in 152 not out from 58 balls. In 2005, a 20-year-old Alastair Cook scored 214 for Essex against Australia in Chelmsford.

“Over the years, Chelmsford has become exactly that for so many.”

—Dan Feist, Chief Executive

The ground’s capacity today is 6,500. Currently, the top teams playing at the County Ground often see nearly full attendance. County cricket in England has a total attendance of around 3.2 million annually (ECB statistics, 2024).

The Heart of the Community

Mr. Feist highlighted how Chelmsford has become a central location for cricket enthusiasts. He added that the club’s “nomadic existence” before the County Ground should not be forgotten. The match against Oxford University took place over three days, on June 20, 22, and 23.

Mr. Feist added, “Each section of the ground fosters lasting memories of aspiration, enjoyment, and enduring friendships. Quite simply, it is a ground at the very heart of the communities it serves.”