County Ground Bristol: Gloucestershire’s Home Venue
History and background of the County Ground in Bristol, home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and linked with the early career of W. G. Grace.
Overview
The County Ground in Bristol is the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, which was formed in 1870. The club is closely tied to W. G. Grace, the most famous cricketer of the Victorian era, who played for Gloucestershire for many years.
Its sponsor names have changed over the years, and it is commonly known simply as the County Ground or Bristol.
History
The ground has been used for first-class cricket since the late nineteenth century and has been the club’s main home ever since. It has been redeveloped several times, with more modern stands and facilities added to the older pavilion area.
Gloucestershire enjoyed a successful run in limited-overs cricket around the end of the twentieth century, winning several one-day trophies, and Bristol was often the centre of those efforts.
International cricket
Bristol is not a regular Test venue, but it has hosted one-day internationals, including women’s matches, and has also been a regular venue for Twenty20 internationals.
Pitch and conditions
Pitches at Bristol have often been good for batting, and the ground’s relatively small boundaries make it popular for limited-overs cricket. In the County Championship, seam movement can feature early in the season.
Check Gloucestershire Cricket for the latest information.
Frequently asked questions
Who plays at the County Ground in Bristol?
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.
Which famous player is linked with the club?
W. G. Grace.
Does Bristol host Test matches?
It is not a regular Test venue.