Hubbry Logo
Trent BridgeTrent BridgeMain
Open search
Trent Bridge
Community hub
Trent Bridge
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Trent Bridge
Trent Bridge
Trent Bridge
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is a cricket ground mostly used for Test, One-Day International and county cricket located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England, just across the River Trent from the city of Nottingham. Trent Bridge is also the headquarters of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. As well as international cricket and Nottinghamshire's home games, the ground has hosted the Finals Day of the Twenty20 Cup twice and will host the final of the One-Day Cup between 2020 and 2024.

Key Information

In 2009, the ground was used for the ICC World Twenty20 and hosted the semi-final between South Africa and Pakistan. The site takes its name from the nearby main bridge over the Trent and it is also close to Meadow Lane and the City Ground, the football stadiums of Notts County and Nottingham Forest respectively.

History

[edit]
Trent Bridge circa 1890

Trent Bridge was first used as a cricket ground in the 1830s. The first recorded cricket match was held on an area of ground behind the Trent Bridge Inn in 1838.[2] Trent Bridge hosted its first Test match in 1899, with England playing against Australia.

The ground was first opened in 1841 by William Clarke, husband of the proprietress of the Trent Bridge Inn[2] and himself captain of William Clarke's All-England Eleven. He was commemorated in 1990 by the opening of the new William Clarke Stand, which incorporates the Rushcliffe Suite.

In 1950, an electronically operated scoreboard was installed at this venue, then the world's largest at any cricket stadium.[3]


Ground

[edit]

Trent Bridge is considered to be one of the most beautiful grounds in world cricket.[4] Its pavilion, retaining the architectural parameters of its 1889 foundation, is very well known in world cricket because it faces the wicket at an angle.[citation needed] Recent developments include the £7.2 million Radcliffe Road Cricket Centre, opened in 1998 and the state of the art £1.9 million Fox Road stand, which has received awards for its architectural excellence.[5] The latter includes a modernistic aircraft-wing roof and was opened in 2002 despite a conflict with a small group of local residents over the lack of sunlight that this would cause to their properties.[citation needed]

Commencing in 2007, Trent Bridge has undergone redevelopment with the construction of a new stand to replace the Parr Stand and West Wing and the addition of one to five rows of extra seating at the front of several of the other stands.[6] This increased capacity from 15,358 to 17,500,[7] and the work was completed in time for the 2008 Test match against New Zealand. The stand was officially opened on 5 June by Prince Philip.[8] The stand continued to be officially called the 'New Stand' for a number of years, also being referred to as the Bridgford Road Stand,[9] before being renamed the Smith Cooper Stand in a sponsorship deal from March 2016.[10]

Bowling takes place from the Stuart Broad End (named the Pavilion End until September 2023 with the official renaming on 18 July 2024)[11][12] and the Radcliffe Road End, with the wickets laid square of the Fox Road, William Clarke and Smith Cooper Stands.

[edit]
  • Rain clouds at Trent Bridge during the Ashes series 2005
    Rain clouds at Trent Bridge during the Ashes series 2005
  • 'Freddie' Flintoff reaches 100 in front of the Fox Road Stand
    'Freddie' Flintoff reaches 100 in front of the Fox Road Stand
  • Fans celebrate in the William Clarke Stand, with England 4 runs from winning
    Fans celebrate in the William Clarke Stand, with England 4 runs from winning
  • The new floodlights 2008
    The new floodlights 2008
  • The new floodlights
    The new floodlights
  • Floodlit match at Trent Bridge – England v. Australia 17 September 2009
    Floodlit match at Trent Bridge – England v. Australia 17 September 2009
  • Radcliffe Road End, Trent Bridge
    Radcliffe Road End, Trent Bridge

Football

[edit]

Trent Bridge has a history of hosting football matches. Notts County Football Club played their important games at the ground from the 1860s, and moved there permanently in 1883 when Nottingham Forest left. However, games early and late in the season had to be played elsewhere due to the cricket and Notts County finally left in 1910, moving to Meadow Lane.

The ground also hosted an international match, England beating Ireland 6–0 on 20 February 1897.[13]

Test cricket records

[edit]
Michael Atherton holds the record for most career runs at Trent Bridge.

Batting

[edit]
Most career runs[14]
Runs Player Period
1,019 (20 innings) England Michael Atherton 1989–2001
956 (15 innings) England Joe Root 2013–2025
955 (10 innings) England Denis Compton 1938–1955
936 (17 innings) England Graham Gooch 1978–1994
735 (11 innings) England Tom Graveney 1953–1967
Denis Compton scored 278 against Pakistan in 1954, the record score at the ground.
Dudley Nourse averaged 120.33 with the bat, the highest of any player with 3+ matches at the ground.
James Anderson has taken the most wickets at the ground, with 73.
Shane Warne took 29 wickets at the ground, the most by a non-Englishman.
Most career runs (non-England)[15]
Runs Player Period
567 (6 innings) Cricket West Indies Viv Richards 1976–1991
541 (8 innings) India Sachin Tendulkar 1996–2011
526 (8 innings) Australia Don Bradman 1930–1948
477 (6 innings) Australia Stan McCabe 1930–1938
468 (3 innings) Cricket West Indies Frank Worrell 1950–1957
Highest individual scores[16]
Runs Player Date
278 v. Pakistan England Denis Compton 1 Jul 1954
261 v. England Cricket West Indies Frank Worrell 20 Jul 1950
258 v. West Indies England Tom Graveney 4 Jul 1957
232 v. England Australia Stan McCabe 10 Jun 1938
Cricket West Indies Viv Richards 3 Jun 1976
Most centuries[17]
Centuries Player Period
5 (10 innings) England Denis Compton 1939–1955
5 (15 innings) England Joe Root 2013–2025
5 (19 innings) England Michael Atherton 1989–2001
3 (7 innings) England Ollie Pope 2018–2025
3 (8 innings) Australia Don Bradman 1930–1948
3 (11 innings) England Tom Graveney 1953–1967
3 (17 innings) England Graham Gooch 1978–1994
Highest batting average (3+ matches)[18]
Average Player Period
120.33 (3 innings, 0 NO) South Africa Dudley Nourse 1935–1951
95.50 (10 innings, 0 NO) England Denis Compton 1939–1955
94.50 (6 innings, 0 NO) Cricket West Indies Viv Richards 1976–1991
90.66 (9 innings, 3 NO) England Graham Thorpe 1993–2004
86.40 (6 innings, 1 NO) India Sourav Ganguly 1996–2007

Bowling

[edit]
Most career wickets[19]
Wickets Player Period
73 (24 innings) England James Anderson 2003–2022
46 (22 innings) England Stuart Broad 2008–2022
41 (12 innings) England Alec Bedser 1947–1954
32 (10 innings) England Fred Trueman 1957–1964
29 (8 innings) Australia Shane Warne 1993–2005
Most career wickets (non-England)[20]
Wickets Player Period
29 (8 innings) Australia Shane Warne 1993–2005
24 (8 innings) New Zealand Richard Hadlee 1973–1990
18 (4 innings) Australia Clarrie Grimmett 1930–1934
16 (4 innings) Australia Terry Alderman 1981–1989
India Jasprit Bumrah 2018–2021
Best innings figures[21]
Figures Player Date
8/15 v. Australia England Stuart Broad 6 Aug 2015
8/70 v. England Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan 2 Jun 2006
8/107 v.Australia England Bernard Bosanquet 29 May 1905
7/43 v. New Zealand England James Anderson 5 Jun 2008
7/44 v. Australia England Alec Bedser 11 Jun 1953
7/54 v. England Australia Bill O'Reilly 8 Jun 1934
7/55 v. Australia England Alec Bedser 11 Jun 1953
7/64 v. England Australia Frank Laver 29 May 1905
Best match figures[22]
Figures Player Date
14/99 v. Australia England Alec Bedser 11 Jun 1953
11/71 v. Pakistan England James Anderson 29 Jul 2010
11/129 v. England Australia Bill O'Reilly 8 Jun 1934
11/132 v. England Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan 2 Jun 2006
10/87 v. England South Africa Peter Pollock 5 Aug 1965
10/122 v. South Africa England Angus Fraser 23 Jul 1998
10/140 v. England New Zealand Richard Hadlee 7 Aug 1986
10/158 v. Australia England James Anderson 10 Jul 2013
10/179 v. England Cricket West Indies Kenny Benjamin 10 Aug 1995
10/201 v. Australia England Ken Farnes 8 Jun 1934

Note: best match figures limited to 10; there have actually been seven 10-wicket match hauls at Trent Bridge.

Lowest strike rate (4+ innings)[23]
Strike rate Player Period
26.5 (16 wickets) England Shoab Bashir 2024–2025
29.2 (16 wickets) Australia Terry Alderman 1981–1989
30.3 (16 wickets) India Jasprit Bumrah 2018–2021
30.8 (15 wickets) England Tim Bresnan 2011–2012
35.8 (14 wickets) Australia Dennis Lillee 1972–1981

Team records

[edit]
Eddie Paynter topscored with 216*, as England totalled 658/8d in 1938.
Highest innings scores[24]
Score Team Date
658/8d England England v. Australia 10 Jun 1938
619/6d England England v. West Indies 4 Jul 1957
617 England England v. India 8 Aug 2002
602/6d Australia Australia v. England 10 Aug 1989
567/8d England England v. New Zealand 2 Jun 1994
Lowest completed innings[25][26]
Score Team Date
60  Australia v. England 6 Aug 2015
80  Pakistan v. England 29 Jul 2010
88  South Africa v. England 7 Jul 1960
97  New Zealand v. England 7 Jun 1973
112 England England v. Australia 28 May 1921

Partnership records

[edit]
Highest partnerships[27]
Runs Wicket Players Match Date
329 1st Mark Taylor (219) & Geoff Marsh (138)  Australia v.  England 10 Aug 1989
319 3rd Alan Melville (189) & Dudley Nourse (149)  South Africa v.  England 7 Jun 1947
303 Viv Richards (232) & Alvin Kallicharran (97)  West Indies v.  England 3 Jun 1976
283 4th Frank Worrell (261) & Everton Weekes (129)  West Indies v.  England 20 Jul 1950
266 2nd Tom Graveney (258) & Peter Richardson (126)  England v.  West Indies 4 Jul 1957
Highest partnerships by wicket[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]
Runs Wicket Players Match Date
329 1st Mark Taylor (219) & Geoff Marsh (138)  Australia v.  England 10 Aug 1989
266 2nd Tom Graveney (258) & Peter Richardson (126)  England v.  West Indies 4 Jul 1957
319 3rd Alan Melville (189) & Dudley Nourse (149)  South Africa v.  England 7 Jun 1947
283 4th Frank Worrell (261) & Everton Weekes (129)  West Indies v.  England 20 Jul 1950
237 5th Denis Compton (163) & Norman Yardley (99)  England v.  South Africa 7 Jun 1947
215 6th Alan Knott (135) & Geoffrey Boycott (107)  England v.  Australia 28 Jul 1977
204 7th Marlon Samuels (117) & Daren Sammy (106)  West Indies v.  England 25 May 2012
107 8th Lindsay Hassett (137) & Ray Lindwall (42)  Australia v.  England 10 Jun 1948
103 9th Craig White (94*) & Matthew Hoggard (32)  England v.  India 8 Aug 2002
198 10th Joe Root (154*) & James Anderson (81)  England v.  India 9 Jul 2014

Last updated 25 October 2025.

In 2013, Australia's Ashton Agar achieved the highest Test score by a number 11 batter.[38]

Trent Bridge cricket ground, the adjacent bridge and the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest Football Club

One Day International records

[edit]

In 2016, England broke the record for highest One Day International (ODI) score when they made 444/3 against Pakistan at the ground.[39] They bettered this score on the same ground two years latter when making 481/6 against Australia.[40]

In ODIs, the leading run-scorers here are Eoin Morgan (471 runs), Alex Hales (441 runs), and Jos Buttler (439 runs).[41] The leading wicket-takers are James Anderson (16 wickets), Stuart Broad (14 wickets) and Waqar Younis (12 wickets).[42]

The pavilion during a County Championship match in 2007

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trent Bridge

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Trent Bridge is an internationally renowned ground in , , , primarily used for Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals, and as the home of . With a capacity of 17,500 spectators, it features a setting adjacent to the River Trent and is celebrated for its batsman-friendly pitches and vibrant atmosphere during major events. The ground's origins trace back to the 1830s, when cricket was first played on open land behind the Trent Bridge Inn, but it was formally established in 1841 by William Clarke, a pioneering cricketer who enclosed a meadow to create a dedicated venue for Nottinghamshire matches against southern counties like Sussex and Kent. Clarke's efforts, bolstered by his marriage to the inn's landlady, transformed the site into a hub for early county cricket, with the club purchasing the freehold in 1919 to secure its future. Over the decades, Trent Bridge underwent significant developments, including the construction of grandstands in the 1880s and 1920s funded by benefactors like Julien Cahn, and modern upgrades in the 1980s and 1990s that added facilities like the Radcliffe Road Stand, enhancing its role as a multi-purpose venue for conferences and community events. Trent Bridge gained global prominence with its first Test match in 1899, a drawn encounter between and that drew a total attendance of nearly 40,000 spectators, marking the start of its legacy in . It has since hosted 67 Test matches, including pivotal series clashes—such as 's dramatic 2015 victory over —the vs Test in May 2025, and editions of the in 1999 and 2019, as well as record-breaking T20 performances like ' 171 in 2016. Beyond cricket, the ground has historical ties to other sports, having been used for football by Nottingham Forest and Notts County in the , and it continues to serve as a asset through the Trent Bridge Community Trust, promoting cricket development.

History

Origins and Construction

Trent Bridge cricket ground was established in 1838 by William Clarke, a prominent cricketer who had married Mary Chapman, the landlady of the adjacent Trent Bridge Inn, the previous year. Clarke leased the meadow behind the inn, located south of the River Trent in , , and transformed it into a dedicated venue for the sport. As captain of the Nottinghamshire team, he oversaw the layout of the field, which was praised for its excellent condition even in its early years. The initial infrastructure was rudimentary, consisting of a simple enclosed meadow bounded by a close-boarded that Clarke erected to define the playing area. The Trent Bridge Inn served as accommodation for visiting players, integrating the venue with local hospitality. This setup marked a shift for major matches from the previous Forest ground, positioning Trent Bridge as a central hub for local . No detailed construction costs are recorded, but the development reflected Clarke's entrepreneurial vision to professionalize the game through organized fixtures. In 1841, the newly formed adopted Trent Bridge as its headquarters, aligning the ground's operations with the club's formal structure under honorary secretary T.B. Charlton. The first recorded county match at the venue that year, on 26–28 August, pitted Nottinghamshire against , resulting in a 22-run defeat for the home side; William Clarke claimed five wickets in the game. This fixture underscored the ground's immediate role in competitive cricket. The club purchased the freehold in 1919 to secure its future. Early financial sustainability proved challenging, with revenue dependent on gate receipts from a sparse schedule of three to four matches per season, including visits by touring teams such as and . Low public attendance often hampered income, prompting Clarke to experiment with non-cricketing events, though with limited success; the club's funds primarily supported occasional away tours rather than ground improvements.

Early Usage and Key Milestones

Trent Bridge quickly established itself as a premier venue for following its early development, with hosting several significant matches there from the mid-19th century. In , the ground hosted multiple county fixtures for , including an opening match against a Sixteen of , marking an important step in its evolution as the club's primary home venue amid growing regional rivalries. By the , regular use for Nottinghamshire's first-class games had solidified its status, drawing large crowds and contributing to the club's competitive presence in pre-official championship cricket. A key infrastructural milestone came in 1886 with the construction of the members' , designed in the Queen Anne style and recognized at the time as the largest such structure in . This development expanded the ground's capacity and facilities, accommodating both players and spectators while reflecting Victorian architectural influences with its elegant, functional design. The 's construction coincided with increased leasing of adjacent land, enhancing the site's overall layout for sustained operations. The ground's international prominence began on June 1, 1899, when it hosted the first match ever played there, a fixture between and as part of series. Australia batted first after winning the toss, scoring 252 in their first innings. The match ended in a draw after rain interruptions, with Australia declaring at 230/8 in their second innings to set a target of 290, which England could not chase, reaching 155/7; notable contributions included Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji's 42 and 75* for England. This match elevated Trent Bridge's global reputation and set the stage for its role in future . Pre-World War II events further highlighted the ground's significance, particularly through the exploits of Nottinghamshire fast bowler , whose aggressive leg-theory bowling—later infamous as ""—was honed in county matches at Trent Bridge during the early . Larwood's high-speed deliveries, often directed close to the batsmen, featured prominently in Nottinghamshire's domestic campaigns and preparations for international tours, including the contentious 1932-33 Ashes series in , where the tactic sparked diplomatic tensions. These performances underscored Trent Bridge's role in developing innovative, if controversial, bowling strategies before the disruptions of wartime. Technological advancements also marked early milestones, though floodlighting arrived relatively late; the ground's first floodlit occurred in , a 40-over league game against on 9 that extended play into evenings and broadened event possibilities. Earlier attempts at artificial lighting in British during the 1920s were experimental and not implemented at Trent Bridge, preserving its traditional daytime character until this modern upgrade.

World Wars and Post-War Developments

During , Trent Bridge's pavilion was converted into the Pavilion VAD Hospital, a auxiliary facility that opened in January 1915 to treat wounded soldiers. The hospital, staffed by hundreds of volunteers including nurses and local supporters, admitted its first around 20 patients on 24 January 1915 and ultimately cared for over 3,500 individuals before closing in early 1919, with the final discharges occurring shortly after the . This transformation halted regular activities at the ground until 1919, underscoring its contribution to the alongside the service of several cricketers who perished in the conflict. In , Trent Bridge served various military functions, including as a staff mess, medical centre, and parade ground for the , while matches were sporadically played despite wartime restrictions. The ground experienced minimal structural damage, limited to a direct bomb hit on a single-storey building adjacent to the indoor nets during an air raid. These adaptations allowed for limited maintenance of the pitch and facilities, preserving the venue's readiness for post-war use. Cricket resumed fully at Trent Bridge in 1946, marking the first complete post-war season for , though results were mixed with six wins from 26 matches. The ground hosted its first post-war international match from 10 to 15 June 1948, when faced in the first of series, drawing a large crowd to witness the resumption of top-level play. Infrastructure developments followed, including the construction of the Parr Stand on the west side in 1956 to enhance spectator accommodation. The 1960s brought the advent of limited-overs cricket to England, with Trent Bridge participating in early Gillette Cup fixtures from 1963 onward. The format gained prominence with the launch of the John Player League in 1969, and the ground staged its inaugural league match on 1 June of that year, where lost to by seven wickets in a 40-over encounter. Further modernization occurred in 1985 with the opening of the Larwood and Voce Stand, named after Nottinghamshire's famed fast bowlers and Bill Voce, which included seating for about 1,000 and integrated bar facilities; this development coincided with upgrades at the Radcliffe Road End to improve overall ground amenities.

Ground and Facilities

Location and Layout

Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is located in , , , directly adjacent to the River Trent and roughly two miles south of city center, providing a scenic setting that integrates urban accessibility with riverside tranquility. The venue occupies a compact urban site with coordinates at 52°56′13″N 1°07′59″W, featuring a layout that orients the playing area lengthwise from north to south, bordered by Radcliffe Road to the north and the River Trent to the south. The ground's boundaries include Bridgford Road to the east and Hound Road to the west, creating a rectangular configuration that maximizes space for the pitch and surrounding amenities while minimizing encroachment from adjacent urban elements. Bowling occurs from the End—formerly known as the Pavilion End, directed toward the city center—and the Radcliffe Road End, which faces the river, allowing for varied sightlines and atmospheric play influenced by the nearby waterway. The site benefits from its proximity to the iconic Trent Bridge road crossing over the River Trent, just a short distance away, and connects seamlessly with local parks and green corridors along the riverbank, enhancing its role within the community landscape. Visitors primarily enter via the main gate on Bridgford Road, with supplementary access through gates on Radcliffe Road, Hound Road, and Fox Road; on-site and nearby parking accommodates around 1,000 vehicles across facilities like Bridge Field (NG2 6AP), while robust public transport options include the , with Queens Walk and Meadows Embankment stops situated approximately a 20-minute walk from the ground.

Pitch Characteristics and Playing Conditions

The pitch at Trent Bridge is clay-based with a green top, typically providing assistance to seam bowlers in the early stages of a through movement off the surface and in the air, before easing into a more batting-friendly condition by the second day as the pitch dries and wears. In matches, this balance contributes to an average first-innings score of approximately 324, reflecting opportunities for substantial run accumulation once batsmen negotiate the initial phase. The surface offers good, true bounce throughout, supporting while allowing pacers some extra carry under overcast skies. Trent Bridge is renowned for high-scoring limited-overs games, particularly in ODIs and T20s, where the flat nature of the pitch and fast encourage aggressive batting. Short boundaries—measuring 64 meters to the square and 70 meters straight—further amplify scoring rates, with average first-innings totals in T20Is around 165. The ground's proximity to the River Trent often results in damp conditions from humidity or recent rain, enhancing , especially in the English summer when temperatures average 20-25°C during the day. These environmental factors have notably influenced international fixtures, such as Tests where early swing has shaped outcomes. Pitch preparation at Trent Bridge emphasizes consistent moisture control and rolling to maintain even bounce, using a typical of English venues for durability and pace. A comprehensive drainage system, overhauled in 2007 and further improved with a new sub-surface setup in 2008, enables play to resume 30-60 minutes after rain by efficiently removing excess water. This infrastructure, including sand-based and perforated pipes at three-meter intervals, minimizes match disruptions in the variable weather.

Stands and Infrastructure

Trent Bridge features a of 17,500 spectators, making it one of England's prominent venues. This capacity was achieved through expansions, notably the construction of the Radcliffe Road Stand in 1998, which added approximately 2,000 seats to the previous figure of around 15,000. The stand, a three-tiered structure, provides covered seating along the western boundary and includes dedicated areas for media and commentary. The ground's key stands offer distinct spectator experiences. The 1886 Pavilion, a historic structure built during the venue's early development, houses the club's heritage centre and one of the UK's largest libraries. As of 2025, the 1886 Pavilion is undergoing to modernize facilities while preserving its heritage. The Fox Road Stand, redeveloped in the early , incorporates corporate boxes and premium hospitality suites for executive viewing. Adjacent to the Trent Bridge , the William Clarke Stand functions as the dedicated family zone, designated alcohol-free to promote a welcoming environment for younger attendees and groups. Amenities support both players and spectators effectively. A modern media centre accommodates broadcasters and journalists, facilitating comprehensive coverage of matches. Six floodlight towers, installed in 2008, enable evening fixtures and enhance the ground's versatility for . The scoreboard, upgraded to a large LED video display in 2013—the largest outdoor screen in at the time—provides real-time statistics and replays visible across the venue. Accessibility provisions encompass dedicated wheelchair platforms in stands such as the Radcliffe Road and Hound Road, along with companion seating and audio commentary services for visually impaired visitors.

Cricket Usage

County and Domestic Matches

Trent Bridge has served as the primary home ground for since 1841, when the venue was established for the club's use following its formal organization. The ground hosts the majority of the club's domestic fixtures, including seven home matches in the 2025 season as part of a broader schedule of around 21 home games across all formats. This central role underscores Trent Bridge's importance in Nottinghamshire's operations, where multi-day games form the backbone of the summer schedule alongside shorter-form competitions. The venue has been pivotal in several successful eras for Nottinghamshire, notably hosting key matches during their County Championship title wins in 2005 under captain Stephen Fleming and in 2010 under Chris Read, marking the club's first such triumphs in the 21st century. Most recently, Nottinghamshire clinched the 2025 County Championship title, their first since 2010, with key performances in home matches at Trent Bridge securing the necessary points. Iconic players have elevated the ground's legacy, including West Indian legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who captained Nottinghamshire from 1968 to 1974 and contributed significantly to elevating the team's standing with his all-round prowess. Similarly, South African all-rounder Clive Rice led the side to back-to-back Championship victories in 1981 and 1987, amassing over 10,000 runs and 700 wickets during his tenure at Trent Bridge. In limited-overs domestic , Trent Bridge has been a stronghold since the inaugural Twenty20 Cup in 2003, now known as the Vitality Blast, where Nottinghamshire's Outlaws draw average crowds exceeding 12,000 for their seven home games per season, reflecting the format's popularity at the venue. From 2021 onward, the ground has hosted the ' home fixtures in The Hundred, with five matches scheduled there in 2025, further diversifying its domestic role and attracting new audiences to professional . Trent Bridge holds notable records from county matches, including Nottinghamshire's highest first-class total of 664/7 declared against in 2007, showcasing the batsman-friendly pitch conditions. Bowling feats have also marked the ground's history, such as Lancashire's Harry Dean taking 17 wickets in a match against Nottinghamshire in 1923, the best figures in a single first-class game at the venue. Beyond competition, the ground supports community initiatives, with Nottinghamshire's youth academies and annual cricket festivals utilizing its facilities since the mid-20th century to foster local talent and engagement.

International Fixtures

Trent Bridge has hosted international since 1899, when the first match there took place between and , ending in a draw after three days of play. The ground has since staged 66 Test matches as of November 2025, with securing 31 victories in home fixtures, underscoring its role as a fortress for the hosts in the longer format. The pitch at Trent Bridge often assists early in matches, contributing to competitive contests that frequently favor the team batting second. One-Day International (ODI) cricket arrived at Trent Bridge in 1974 with England's six-wicket victory over in the first match at the venue. The ground has been a regular host for ODIs, including key encounters in four : the 1975 edition featuring versus , the 1979 tournament with matches like versus , the 1983 event that included Zimbabwe's debut ODI against , and the 1999 where faced . In 2019, Trent Bridge hosted several group-stage fixtures for the , including the rain-abandoned match between and , which resulted in shared points and influenced the tournament standings. The venue debuted in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2005, when defeated by 100 runs in the inaugural T20I match, setting a high-energy tone for at the ground. As of November 2025, Trent Bridge has hosted 16 T20I matches, known for its batsman-friendly conditions with an average team score of around 170 runs, often leading to thrilling, high-scoring encounters. A standout series was the 2013 , where clinched a dramatic 14-run victory in the first Test, highlighted by James Anderson's match-winning bowling spell. Women's international cricket has also featured prominently at Trent Bridge, with the first Women's T20I (WT20I) occurring in 2011 between and , where won by five wickets.

Records and Notable Performances

Trent Bridge has been the venue for numerous record-breaking performances in , highlighting its reputation for favoring batsmen on a typically flat pitch. The highest team total in Tests at the ground is 658 for 8 declared, achieved by against in 1938, a score that stood as a testament to the dominant batting conditions during that era. More recently, in 2025, Zimbabwe's scored the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwean batter at the venue, reaching his hundred in 97 balls during the one-off Test against , contributing significantly to his team's resistance against a formidable English attack. In One Day Internationals, set the benchmark for explosive batting at Trent Bridge with their world-record total of 481 for 6 against in 2018, powered by ' 147 and contributions from (82) and (62 off 18 balls), resulting in a 242-run victory. That also featured 21 sixes by , underscoring the ground's suitability for aggressive strokeplay in limited-overs formats. Earlier, in 2016 against , amassed 444 for 3, with ' unbeaten 171 marking the then-highest individual ODI score at the venue and including multiple sixes that propelled the team's record-breaking assault. Twenty20 Internationals and domestic T20 matches at Trent Bridge have produced blistering partnerships and rapid scoring. The highest partnership in a T20I at the ground is 159 for the second wicket between and for against West Indies in 2012, laying the foundation for a competitive total. In domestic T20, Brendon McCullum's explosive innings have been notable, though his standout records elsewhere highlight the venue's potential for high-impact contributions from overseas players. Bowling feats at Trent Bridge often come in bursts during key moments. In ODIs, Paul Collingwood's 6 for 31 against in 2005 remains among the best figures, restricting the opposition in a high-scoring encounter that won by 168 runs. In Tests, claimed the first at the ground in 2011 against , dismissing , , and Praveen Kumar in consecutive deliveries during the second Test, finishing with figures of 6 for 46 to swing the match in 's favor. Broad's performance exemplified the occasional assistance available for seamers under overcast conditions. Key milestones underscore Trent Bridge's stature in international cricket. The ground hosted its 100th Test match in 2006, a closely contested encounter between England and Sri Lanka that ended in a draw, with Kumar Sangakkara's 156 notable on a wearing pitch. As of November 2025, following the one-off Test against Zimbabwe and additional white-ball fixtures including the T20I against South Africa, the venue has staged 66 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 16 T20Is, exceeding 130 international matches in total.

Other Sports and Events

Football at the Ground

Trent Bridge served as a significant venue for football in its early years, hosting local matches from the mid-19th century onward as part of its multi-sport usage before cricket became dominant. Notts County Football Club, the world's oldest professional football club founded in 1862, played its first recorded match at the ground on 14 March 1867, defeating Sheffield 1-0 in front of a crowd of 2,000. Nottingham Forest, established in 1865, followed suit with its debut game there on 15 January 1870 against Sheffield Norfolk. These early fixtures reflected the ground's role in Nottingham's burgeoning football scene, where it accommodated local and regional games alongside cricket during the summer months. From the 1883-84 season, Notts County adopted Trent Bridge as its primary home ground, sharing the space seasonally with cricket—football in winter and cricket in summer—until 1909-10. The ground hosted the club's inaugural Football League match on 6 October 1888, a 3-3 draw against Blackburn Rovers, and became a site for notable derbies against Nottingham Forest, including a 0-0 league stalemate and a 3-0 FA Cup second-round victory for County in 1883 attended by 10,000 spectators. Another highlight was the 1892-93 Division Two derby, where Notts County beat Forest 3-0 before a record 15,000 fans for a club match at the venue. The ground also staged international fixtures, such as England's 6-0 win over Ireland on 20 February 1897, drawing around 14,000. In 1878, Trent Bridge hosted Nottingham's first floodlit football exhibition, with Notts County defeating Derbyshire before 4,000 onlookers on 30 November. Key events underscored the venue's importance, including the 1884-85 FA Cup semi-final where Rovers defeated 5-1. Notts County's tenure peaked with promotion to Division One in 1896-97 and a third-place finish in 1900-01, but regular football waned as the club sought dedicated facilities. The final Football League match occurred on 20 April 1910, a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa attended by approximately 13,000, after which Notts County relocated to following the expiration of their lease. This shift allowed Trent Bridge to focus exclusively on , ending an era of shared seasonal use.

Non-Cricket Events and Community Role

Trent Bridge has hosted a variety of non-cricket events, particularly music concerts integrated with cricket festivals like The Hundred, featuring up-and-coming artists such as DYLAN, , and GIRLBAND!. These performances draw large crowds, with the ground accommodating over 17,500 seated spectators and additional standing capacity exceeding 20,000 for major events. The venue plays a significant role through initiatives like the ECB All Stars program, launched in 2016 to introduce children aged 5-8 to the sport via fun, structured sessions. Annual heritage tours of the ground attract around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors, offering insights into its rich history and fostering local engagement. Educationally, Trent Bridge partners with local schools through programs like Chance to Shine, delivering cricket coaching to primary pupils and promoting physical activity and teamwork. The on-site museum features exhibits on and the controversial series of 1932-33, highlighting Nottinghamshire's cricketing heritage. In the , the ground occasionally hosted other s, including tournaments and athletics meets, though detailed records of these events are scarce. During , Trent Bridge served as a , underscoring its historical multi-use beyond . Recent developments include a 25-year on West Park facilities in 2025, enabling expanded junior programs to boost participation, with targets to engage hundreds more young players annually through inclusive sessions for boys, girls, and diverse communities.

Redevelopment and Legacy

Recent Upgrades and 2025 Projects

In early 2025, construction began on a major redevelopment of the Members' Pavilion at Trent Bridge, marking the start of a two-year project aimed at preserving the venue's status as a host while enhancing accessibility and facilities. The initiative involves partial demolition and expansion of the Victorian-era structure, including new dressing rooms for men's and women's teams, improved wheelchair access, and modernized internal spaces to meet contemporary requirements. was granted in June 2024 following submission in February, with the works designed to integrate sensitively with the pavilion's historical architecture. The has directly impacted the 2025 season, with ongoing construction leading to temporary relocations of member facilities, such as the Long Room moving to The Clubhouse, and reduced capacity in affected areas during international and domestic matches. Despite these adjustments, Trent Bridge hosted key fixtures, including women's internationals and Trent Rockets games in The Hundred, utilizing temporary setups to maintain operations. The project is expected to conclude in 2027, ensuring full functionality for future events without long-term disruptions. Sustainability efforts at the ground have advanced through targeted initiatives, including the introduction of reusable eco-cups in 2023, which prevent approximately 250,000 single-use plastic pints from entering landfills annually. Additional measures encompass the adoption of electric mowers and water refill stations to minimize resource consumption, aligning with broader environmental goals in . In 2024, the club outlined plans for further projects to enhance eco-friendly practices, supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board's push for greener venues. To improve spectator experience amid the pavilion works, a small standalone sensory calming space was added adjacent to the Radcliffe Road Stand reception in 2025, providing a quiet area for neurodiverse fans and families. This enhancement reflects ongoing efforts to boost inclusivity without major capacity expansions, as the ground's current setup accommodates international schedules like the Vitality IT20 between and .

Cultural and Historical Significance

Trent Bridge holds an iconic status in English , often referred to as "Fortress Trent Bridge" due to England's dominant performances in recent Test matches at the venue, where the home side has secured victories in the last three Tests (against in 2021, in 2022, and in 2025). This reputation underscores its role as a bastion for English , with the ground hosting international fixtures since and contributing to the nation's sporting identity. The ground's cultural ties extend to literary traditions, notably inspiring the writings of renowned cricket journalist , who first encountered the venue in 1903 and described it as a "lotus land for batsmen" evoking an eternal afternoon of graceful play. As a symbol of local pride in , Trent Bridge embodies the city's cricketing heritage, fostering and serving as a landmark that unites residents through shared sporting memories. The 1886 pavilion, the largest of its kind at the time of construction, remains a key historical feature, reflecting the venue's evolution while preserving its architectural legacy from the late 19th century. Globally, Trent Bridge has influenced cricket development by nurturing talents such as fast bowler , a native who joined the county in and took 201 first-class wickets at the ground before his international career. It has also played a pivotal role in the growth of , hosting matches for The Blaze, the regional team in elite domestic competitions, and supporting age-group programs to expand participation among women and girls. Looking ahead, Trent Bridge continues to build its legacy through community programs that promote access for future generations, including initiatives under the Trent Bridge Community Trust aimed at inclusive development and heritage preservation. Recent upgrades, such as enhancements, ensure the ground's historical elements are maintained while adapting to modern needs, securing its status as a enduring cultural asset.

References

  1. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/visit/trent-bridge.html
  2. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/a-brief-history-of-trent-bridge-60197
  3. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/events-our-venue.html
  4. https://heritagecalling.com/2023/04/06/the-history-of-10-english-cricket-grounds/
  5. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/nottinghamshire-county-cricket-club-p356451
  6. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2019/june/grace-gunn-and-a-gutsy-draw-120-years-since-the-first-trent-bridge-test.html
  7. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2021/january/memorable-moments-international-cricket-at-trent-bridge.html
  8. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/ground/team-match-results/eng-trent-bridge-nottingham-34/test-matches-1
  9. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/not-just-cricket-at-trent-bridge.html
  10. https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=831967&resourceID=19191
  11. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/seasons/1838.html
  12. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/seasons/1841.html
  13. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/nottinghamshire-cricket-between-1840-1845.html
  14. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/seasons/1874.html
  15. https://footballandmaterialculture.com/tag/trent-bridge/
  16. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-1899-61364/england-vs-australia-1st-test-62455/full-scorecard
  17. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/players/harold-larwood.html
  18. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/twenty-five-years-of-light-entertainment.html
  19. https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/the-evacuation-chain-for-wounded-and-sick-soldiers/military-hospitals-in-the-british-isles-1914-1918/military-hospitals-in-nottinghamshire/
  20. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/get-active/spectator-sports/trent-bridge/getting-to-trent-bridge
  21. https://www.latlong.net/place/trent-bridge-cricket-ground-nottingham-uk-31695.html
  22. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/trent-bridge-nottingham-57219
  23. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2024/july/stuart-broad-end-to-be-officially-unveiled.html
  24. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/trent-bridge-the-bridge-p587611
  25. https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/west-bridgford/trent-bridge-parking
  26. https://cricketira.com/all-types-of-cricket-pithces
  27. https://cricket.one/cricket-analysis/trent-bridge-pitch-report-is-the-surface-batting-or-bowling-friendly/682e8c287da7f77e4c9834b8
  28. https://www.sportsdunia.com/cricket-analysis/trent-bridge-nottingham-pitch-report
  29. https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/england-vs-zimbabwe-2025-test-trent-bridge-nottingham-pitch-history-test-records
  30. https://pitch-report.com/trent-bridge-pitch-report/
  31. https://cricketman2.com/cricket/pitch-report/trent-bridge-nottingham-12135/
  32. https://cricopinion.com/cricket-stadiums/trent-bridge-nottinghamshire-pitch-report-records
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jun/04/englandvnewzealand2008.englandcricketteam1
  34. https://weatherspark.com/y/41783/Average-Weather-in-Nottingham-United-Kingdom-Year-Round
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/george-dobell-on-how-english-pitches-have-become-markedly-more-batsman-friendly-1099382
  36. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/trent-bridge-pitch-rated-poor-by-match-referee-761929
  37. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/money-down-the-drainage-304000
  38. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/trent-bridge-set-for-new-outfield-354049
  39. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2008/june/trent-bridge-outfield-renovation-given-green-light.html
  40. https://reciteme.com/case-study/trent-bridge/
  41. https://www.whatsoninnottingham.com/trent-bridge-cricket-ground/
  42. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/heritage-open-days-trent-bridge-cricket-ground-and-heritage-centre-p968351
  43. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2025/april/introducing-the-clubhouse.html
  44. https://cleggconstruction.co.uk/sectors/leisure/trent-bridge-new-stands
  45. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/family/facilities.html
  46. https://www.maber.co.uk/projects/media-facilities-for-nccc/
  47. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-21757789
  48. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/visit/disabled.html
  49. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/assets/documents/33/2025-fixture-list.pdf
  50. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/twenty-first-centurys-twin-titles.html
  51. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2010/september/notts-are-lv-county-champions.html
  52. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c8d7y73q8q7o
  53. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/it-started-with-sobers.html
  54. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/players/clive-rice.html
  55. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2019/september/record-blast-crowds-flock-to-trent-bridge.html
  56. https://www.thehundred.com/teams/trent-rockets
  57. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/ground/team-highest-innings-totals/eng-trent-bridge-nottingham-34/first-class-matches-4
  58. https://stats.acscricket.com/Records/First_Class/Overall/Bowling/Best_Bowling_in_a_Match.html
  59. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trust/who-we-are.html
  60. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/ground/team-results-summary/eng-trent-bridge-nottingham-34/test-matches-1
  61. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/trent-bridge-nottingham-57219/records
  62. https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/cricketworldcup/news/trent-bridge-nottingham
  63. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-1144415/india-vs-new-zealand-18th-match-1144500/full-scorecard
  64. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/ground/team-match-results/eng-trent-bridge-nottingham-34/twenty20-internationals-3
  65. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-scotland-2013-531603/england-vs-australia-1st-test-566932/full-scorecard
  66. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/commonwealth-games-women-s-cricket-competition-2022-1289194
  67. https://sportsmatik.com/sports-corner/sports-venue/trent-bridge
  68. https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/eng-vs-zim-brian-bennett-smashes-zimbabwes-fastest-test-ton-in-97-balls-ben-stokes-breathes-fire-with-the-ball-11748010530753.html
  69. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44539728
  70. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/37225767
  71. https://www.sportsadda.com/cricket/features/trent-bridge-t20-international-records-stats-nottingham/
  72. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/30/stuart-broad-england-india
  73. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-2006-211972/england-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-225266/full-scorecard
  74. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2018/january/when-trent-bridge-hosted-notts-countys-first-ever-football-league-game-and-derby-matches-against-forest.html
  75. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2020/april/on-this-day-the-final-football-league-match-at-trent-bridge.html
  76. http://www.thorotonsociety.org.uk/publications/articles/nottscounty.htm
  77. https://www.stevesfootballstats.uk/fa_cup_1884-85.html
  78. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4lY878h75QtdtBzpVly8zPm/bbc-music-introducing-at-the-hundred-2023
  79. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2025/june/girlband-to-take-the-stage-at-trent-bridge-for-the-hundred-2025.html
  80. https://www.thehundred.com/music/live-acts
  81. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/recreationalcricket/youngpeople.html
  82. https://www.facebook.com/trentbridge/posts/throwing-open-our-doors-for-heritage-open-days-our-heritage-team-are-laying-on-a/1240048108150802/
  83. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/recreationalcricket/schools.html
  84. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/articles/harold-larwood-reaches-his-100.html
  85. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2025/october/notts-take-on-long-term-west-park-lease-to-drive-participation.html
  86. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-68358321
  87. http://nottsview.blogspot.com/2024/02/trent-bridge-pavilion-plans-submitted.html
  88. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/8014411
  89. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2025/september/the-blaze-at-trent-bridge-matchday-guide.html
  90. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2024/august/trent-bridges-2025-england-fixtures-confirmed.html
  91. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2023/june/trent-bridge-targets-resource-reduction-with-new-eco-cups.html
  92. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/annual-report/2024/61/
  93. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/assets/documents/33/1759335518_2025-edi-action-plan-web.pdf
  94. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKCizesuyzZ/
  95. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-africa-facing-sternest-of-tests-against-england-at-fortress-trent-bridge-a3587141.html
  96. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jul/09/the-spin-trent-bridge-ashes
  97. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/players/stuart-broad.html
  98. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/recreationalcricket/womenandgirls.html
  99. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.