In the County Championship, the maximum points a team can earn in a single match is 24 points. The breakdown of these points is as follows:

Match Result Points

• Victory: 16 points
• Draw: 8 points
• Tie: 8 points
• Defeat: 0 points

Batting Bonus Points

Teams can earn up to 5 batting bonus points based on their first innings performance:

• 250-299 runs: 1 point
• 300-349 runs: 2 points
• 350-399 runs: 3 points
• 400-449 runs: 4 points
• 450 runs or more: 5 points

Bowling Bonus Points

Up to 3 bowling bonus points can be earned in the first innings:

• 3-5 wickets taken: 1 point
• 6-8 wickets taken: 2 points
• 9-10 wickets taken: 3 points

Scenarios and Examples

This system can lead to unique standings. For instance, Surrey is currently second in Division One despite having fewer wins than Sussex and Somerset. Similarly, in Division Two, Derbyshire is second with one fewer win than Glamorgan.

Point Deductions

Teams can lose points for various infractions:

• Unregistered players: Deduction
• Poor pitches: Deduction
• Slow over-rates: Deduction

This season, Glamorgan, Somerset, and Yorkshire have each lost a point due to slow over-rates.

Conclusion

The County Championship's points system rewards both match outcomes and individual performances, creating a dynamic and competitive league structure.