Emerald Headingley first hosted an international match in 1899, when England recorded a draw against Australia. Since then, the ground has witnessed its fair share of history, with hordes of spectators flooding through the gates to enjoy the sound of leather on willow.
In 2020, more history will be made at Emerald Headingley as the ground hosts its first ever International T20 (IT20) when England take on Australia on Tuesday 7th July. Later in the summer, England play Pakistan in a T20 game on Saturday 29th August.
Supporters are encouraged to enter the ballot to improve their chances of securing tickets for either of the games. This can be done by clicking here.
To get you in the mood for more great international cricket at Emerald Headingley, we want your help to find out the best ever international moment at the ground! Over the coming weeks, we will be asking you to vote on various moments from the past, with the winners coming head-to-head to establish the greatest moment. Here’s the first match-up…
2019 Ashes vs 1981 Ashes
Emerald Headingley has played host to some remarkable matches over the years, but Ashes cricket always seems to bring the best out of the players. This was certainly the case in the two games in question here, when the greatest international rivals locked horns in 1981, and again just a few weeks ago.
England vs Australia – 2019
Just a few weeks ago, Emerald Headingley hosted arguably one of the greatest Test matches ever to take place. The game was gone, with England needing 73 runs to win with just one wicket remaining in the fourth innings… but someone forgot to tell Ben Stokes. The England all-rounder moved through the gears, smashing the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground to finish unbeaten on a remarkable 135. Hi batting partner, Jack Leach, stood firm at the other end, scoring just one run but soaking up the pressure whilst facing 17 deliveries. There were nervy moments towards the end for the Three Lions pair, with a missed run out and a potential lbw appeal turned down… no Australian reviews remained. However, the fact that they got there, spurred over the line by the incredible crowd, seems unbelievable even now.
England vs Australia – 1981
Headingley ’81, as it is now remembered, was an incredible game with England coming from behind to claim the most unlikely of victories. With a first-innings deficit of 227, England were staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat. What happened next thrilled the nation in a way that only Ashes cricket can. A flamboyant second innings 149* from Sir Ian Botham paved the way for Bob Willis, who bowled like a man possessed, to claim eight wickets and a famous win for the Three Lions.
Cast your vote now…
Priority access to tickets for 2020 IT20s
PRIORITY WINDOW ONE – 2019 / 2020 Full and One Day Members – 9am on Monday 16th September until 11.59pm on Wednesday 25th September
PRIORITY WINDOW TWO – 2019 International buyers (including OPTED IN CWC customers) and 2019 / 2020 T20 Season Ticket holders – 9am on Friday 27th September until 11.59pm on Monday 30th September
BALLOT PURCHASERS WINDOW – 9am on Wednesday 2nd October to 11.59pm on Friday 4th October
GENERAL SALE – 10am on Thursday 10th October
SIGN UP TO THE BALLOT
The ballot is now open for those wishing to purchase tickets for next year’s internationals who fall out of windows one and two. The ballot will close at midnight on Wednesday 25th September.
Successful applicants will then be notified and able to purchase their tickets from 9am on Wednesday 2nd October.
