England got their Vitality IT20 series with the West Indies off to a winning start at The Incora™ County Ground, but the build-up has been far from normal.

Having enjoyed a good record in Derby in recent years, Heather Knight and her side might have already felt confident in familiar surroundings, but the hospitality from the Derbyshire staff has made them feel right at home.

Since July, the ground has played host to the England team, as well as the Pakistan and Australia men’s teams, as the club supported the ECB in getting international cricket on amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Australia and Pakistan departed for fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford and the AGEAS Bowl, England remained, preparing for their five-game series against the West Indies, who also based themselves at the ground.

The sides were able to make use of the top-class facilities, with pitches prepared by Derbyshire’s Ground Staff, and both indoor and outdoor nets available, as they got ready for a big summer of cricket.

But it was not just about the cricket. Our hospitality staff also played a key role in giving the teams the best possible preparation, with our chefs even earning praise from the Pakistan Cricket Board for their high-quality food.

Two West Indies players, Shakera Selman and Shenita Grimmond, celebrated birthdays while based in Derby, and our friendly and welcoming team ensured they had the best possible chance to enjoy their day.

Many people have experienced the joy of getting married at The Incora County Ground, and sampling our wedding venue was not an opportunity that Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver were going to miss.

The pair were due to tie the knot this summer, but the pandemic halted those plans. However, their England teammates were on hand to throw a ‘mock’ wedding, which was celebrated in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

And it was on that same field that England got their series up and running, with Tammy Beaumont’s 62 and standout bowling performances from Sciver (2-16), Sophie Ecclestone (2-19) and Derbyshire-born Sarah Glenn (1-27) guiding the side to victory.

They won’t have time to bask in that win, however, with the second IT20 beginning on Wednesday 23 September, starting at 6pm, as both sides aim to claim a big result.

Interested in getting married at our safe and secure venue? Ask about our Autumn Wedding packages and see how we can make your special day one of a kind.

Click HERE or call our dedicated Events Team on 01332 388 105 to find out more.