Synonymous with some of cricket’s biggest moments, Edgbaston’s reputation continued to grow around the world with record attendances across two Ashes fixtures, a Go Green Game between England Men and New Zealand Men – our first sustainable Major Match and a 15th Vitality Blast Finals Day.
On the pitch, it was a cracker, led off by a Men’s Ashes Test that twisted and turned in every direction.
Kickstarting what turned out to be a classic series, England Captain Ben Stokes declared on the first day on 393/8, leaving Edgbaston in complete shock.
After dismissing Australia for 386, England replied with 273, leaving the visitors needing 281 on the final day, just one run fewer than the target in 2005.
In a gripping finale, with echoes of that sensational clash 18 years ago, it was the Baggy Greens who took victory out of the jaws of defeat.
Needing 54 more runs, eight down, and a second new ball available, Nathan Lyon strolled to the crease with the game on his shoulders and a raucous Edgbaston perched on his back.
But he delivered. In a partnership with Captain Pat Cummins, the pair got over the line, digging out every yorker and swerving every short ball. It was a dramatic end to an Edgbaston classic.
In front of a record crowd of 19,572, Australia secured a four-wicket win over England in a thrilling contest.
Australia were cruising at 130/2 in pursuit of 154 but lost three wickets for 10 runs as England fought back at the death. But opener Beth Mooney finished unbeaten on 61 as Australia edged home with just one ball to spare.
The attendance smashed the record for the highest crowd for a standalone women’s international in the UK, outside of global events, beating the 15,187 at Lord’s last summer for the ODI versus India.
135,000 fans were in attendance across the two matches and for the first time in the Club’s history, all five days of the LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes sold out.
While New Zealand secured the third IT20 international by 74 runs at a sold-out Edgbaston, it was the events of it that got the deserved headlines.
Aptly named as a Go Green Game – our first sustainable Major Match and the first sustainable game of its kind in UK cricket, the day raised sustainability awareness amongst fans and the wider community with help from our partners.
With spectator transport contributing around 80 per cent of match-day emissions, Edgbaston joined forces with National Express West Midlands to offer free bus travel for ticket holders to and from the ground for the 3 September IT20.
More spectators than ever before used public transport to reach Edgbaston for the game – and it’s resulted in Edgbaston landing three prestigious sustainability awards since.
Somerset became Vitality Blast champions for only the second time after beating Essex by 14 runs in a captivating final.
For the second time in the day, the West Country side skilfully defended a smallish total through-composed bowling and brilliant fielding.
In front of another sold out crowd, Somerset saw off their south group rivals and deservedly clinch the trophy, having won a remarkable 15 of their 17 games in the tournament.
Additional tickets released for first three days of West Indies Test
A small number of tickets have been released for the first three days of our Men’s Test against West Indies this summer (26-30 Juy).
Tickets are limited for these day and are expected to sell quickly. Early Bird tickets for Day Four are still available if purchased before midnight on 31 March.
