The County Championship

Scoring of points (2004)

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(a) For a win, 14 points plus any points scored in the first innings.

(b) In a tie, each side scores seven points, plus any points scored in the first innings.

(c) In a drawn match, each side scores four points, plus any points scored in the first innings (see also paragraph ( f )).

(d) If the scores are equal in a drawn match, the side batting in the fourth innings scores seven points, plus any points scored in the first innings, and the opposing side scores four points plus any points scored in the first innings.

(e) First-innings points (awarded only for performances in the first 130 overs of each first innings and retained whatever the result of the match).
i(i) A maximum of five batting points to be available: 200 to 249 runs – 1 point; 250 to 299 runs – 2 points; 300 to 349 runs – 3 points; 350 to 399 runs – 4 points; 400 runs or over – 5 points. Penalty runs awarded within the first 130 overs of each first innings count towards the award of bonus points.
(ii) A maximum of three bowling points to be available: 3 to 5 wickets taken – 1 point; 6 to 8 wickets taken – 2 points; 9 to 10 wickets taken – 3 points.

( f ) If play starts when less than eight hours’ playing time remains and a one-innings match is played, no first-innings points shall be scored. The side winning on the one innings scores 14 points. In a tie, each side scores seven points. In a drawn match, each side scores four points. If the scores are equal in a drawn match, the side batting in the second innings scores seven points and the opposing side scores four points.

(g) If a match is abandoned without a ball being bowled, each side scores four points.

(h) The side which has the highest aggregate of points shall be the Champion County of their respective division. Should any sides in the Championship table be equal on points, the following tie-breakers will be applied in the order stated: most wins, fewest losses, team achieving most points in head-to-head contests between teams level on points, most wickets taken, most runs scored. At the end of the season, the top three teams from the second division will be promoted and the bottom three teams from the first division will be relegated.

(i) The minimum over-rate to be achieved by counties will be 16 overs per hour. Overs will be calculated at the end of the match and penalties applied on a match-by-match basis. For each over (ignoring fractions) that a side has bowled short of the target number, 0.5 points will be deducted from their Championship total.

( j) A county which is adjudged to have prepared a pitch unfit for four-day first-class cricket will have 22 points deducted. A county adjudged to have prepared a poor pitch will have eight points deducted. This penalty will rise to 12 points if the county has prepared a poor or unfit pitch within the previous 12 months.

Under ECB playing conditions, two extras were scored for every no-ball bowled whether scored off or not, and one for every wide. Any runs scored off the bat were credited to the batsman, while byes and leg-byes were counted as no-balls or wides, as appropriate, in accordance with Law 24.13, in addition to the initial penalty.