9 highest totals in County Championship, division one – Murray Goodwin almost hit half of Sussex’s 742 in 2009

Archie Starkey 27 Feb 2025

Alex Davies hit a double-century as Warwickshire compiled one of the biggest team totals in the history of the County Championship, division one, in 2024.

Division One of the County Championship has witnessed some monumental team batting performances over the years, with red-ball counties racking up totals that are almost too big to believe.

These high-scoring innings have not only showcased the depth and talent within teams but also the brilliance of individuals.

Here are 9 of the most significant County Championship innings totals in the history of Division One.

9. Surrey – 673/7 declared in 2022

Surrey’s batting lineup showcased their batting prowess at The Oval, declaring at 673/7 in their first innings against Kent.

Hashim Amla, Ben Geddes, Sam Curran and Will Jacks all whacked centuries in front of a jubilant crowd in Vauxhall.

Despite their monumental effort, the match ended in a draw following huge batting performances from both sides – not a great week to be a tall fast bowler!

=8. Yorkshire – 677/7 declared in 2013

Yorkshire dominated with the bat in 2013, declaring at 677/7 in their first innings against Derbyshire at Headingley.

The formidable total put them in the driver’s seat with their opposition unable to find any answer and ultimately losing the contest.

A double century from a young Joe Root in a rare appearance opening the batting set the tone for his side.

=8. Yorkshire – 677/7 declared in 2006

Again at Headingley, and again declaring on 677, Yorkshire delivered a brutal first innings onslaught to agonise a Durham bowling attack.

Darren Lehmann struck his highest first-class score of 339 to help his side against a bowling side featuring Graham Onions, the leading Division One wicket-taker of all time.

However, their northern rivals managed to hold their nerve and bat out the contest for a deserved draw.

Also read: Most wickets in County Championship, division one, 2024

6. Surrey – 686/5 declared in 2005

The Oval was yet again host to a fine stretch of Surrey batting with the side opting for a declaration after collecting 686 runs against their London counterparts.

Double tonnes from Mark Ramprakash and Azhar Mahmood led the one-sided affair.

Bowlers then backed up the batters with Surrey sending Middlesex back to Lord’s with a crushing innings defeat.

5. Nottinghamshire – 692/7 declared in 2005

Nottinghamshire‘s batting lineup racked up an impressive score of 692 before declaring at The Oval against Surrey.

Skipper Stephen Fleming struck a double century as his teammates followed with helpful runs for his county.

Perhaps more impressive was the fact they were away from home, Surrey simply had no answer with Notts landing a massive hole in Surrey’s pride.

4. Warwickshire – 698/3 declared in 2024

Edgbaston has been host to several staggering cricket performances with Warwickshire‘s total of 698 against Durham right up there.

But their impeccable total was not enough to force a party in Birmingham with the away side managing to save an unlikely draw against all odds.

Captain Alex Davies furthered his call for England red-ball consideration with 256, surely capturing the attention of selectors.

3. Worcestershire – 701/6 declared in 2007

Though Worcestershire have not been a Division One regular, they have still managed an impressive 700-plus score with their batters in impressive touch at New Road.

However, County Cricket powerhouse Surrey can never be written off with them producing a batting performance good enough to salvage a draw on the road in the Midlands.

It seems captains have led by example with Vikram Solanki blasting 232 handy runs for the Pears.

2. Hampshire – 714/5 declared in 2005

Hampshire’s batting fortress was the Rose Bowl with their impressive squad in 2005 bringing up a total of 714 followed by a deserved declaration in Southampton.

John Crawley managed a triple century for Hants while keeping England spinner, Graeme Swann, out for 39 overs.

Their humungous total was enough to hold off any response from Nottinghamshire as the visitors couldn’t match their batting dominance.

1. Sussex – 742/5 declared in 2009

Taunton played host to the most high-scoring innings in the history of Division One with Sussex punching 742 runs past a despondent Somerset at their ground.

Centuries from Chris Nash and Carl Hopkinson supplemented a magnificent 344 from Murray Goodwin for the South Coast side.

However, Somerset gave their fans something to cheer about and managed to rescue a draw at home.