Set in the north of England, the Riverside Ground is home to the Durham side and is known for assisting bowlers more than most other grounds in the Vitality Blast. Over the past few seasons, it has proven to be a relatively low-scoring venue with plenty of assistance for seamers and spinners alike.
Expect a grind for batters—it’s not a surface that offers freebies.
Bowling Performance – Spin vs Pace
| Bowling Type | Bowling Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Spin Bowlers | 23.83 | 7.34 |
| Fast Bowlers | 22.29 | 8.40 |
Both spin and pace have found success here, with spin bowlers showing excellent control through their economy rate and fast bowlers proving to be the main strike force. The surface at Chester-le-Street suits bowlers who keep things tight and exploit conditions.
First Innings Score Trends
| Year | Avg 1st Innings Score |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 152.43 |
| 2023 | 145.25 |
| 2024 | 152.71 |
Scores at Riverside Ground hover around the 150 mark, reflecting how tough this ground can be for batters. Shot-making isn’t easy, and strike rotation is key. Expect teams to target 160+ as a defendable total here.
Wickets Breakdown
Innings-wise Wickets:
| Innings | Avg Wickets Fallen |
|---|---|
| First Innings | 6.86 |
| Second Innings | 6.09 |
Overs Phase:
| Phase | Avg Wickets Per Innings |
|---|---|
| Powerplay Overs | 1.67 |
| Middle Overs | 2.55 |
| Death Overs | 2.65 |
The death overs are the most productive for bowlers at this ground, with middle overs also offering consistent breakthroughs. The powerplay sees slightly fewer wickets, but early movement can still be a threat in northern conditions.
Top Run Scorers at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street (2022–2025)
| Player | Runs Scored |
|---|---|
| Graham Clark | 493 |
| Ollie Robinson | 462 |
| Michael Jones | 422 |
| Ashton Turner | 371 |
| Alex Lees | 230 |
Graham Clark and Ollie Robinson lead the scoring charts at Chester-le-Street, with Michael Jones close behind. These players have shown the ability to grind out runs on tricky surfaces—players to consider when building your fantasy teams for Durham matches.
Top Wicket Takers at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street (2022–2025)
| Player | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|
| Ben Raine | 29 |
| Nathan Sowter | 23 |
| Andrew Tye | 17 |
| Callum Parkinson | 12 |
| Wayne Parnell | 9 |
Ben Raine has been the go-to bowler at this venue, with his ability to bowl in all phases paying dividends. Sowter’s spin has also had a major impact, showcasing how effective slow bowlers can be when used smartly.
Tactical & Betting Tips
- Back consistent scorers like Graham Clark and Ollie Robinson, especially when Durham bat first.
- Ben Raine and Nathan Sowter are strong picks for fantasy leagues and player prop bets due to their consistent wicket-taking ability.
- Consider betting unders on total match runs—this is not a venue where 180+ totals are frequent.
