Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

State schools finally get their big day: ‘All of a sudden, playing at Lord’s becomes cool’

September 11, 2026 · The Guardian

Lord's welcomed the debut of the Knight-Stokes Cup on Thursday, bringing state-school cricket to the prestigious venue following a busy summer that featured men's and women's Test matches, the Women's T20 World Cup final, and the finals of the Hundred. Four squads—representing Altrincham Grammar School, John Hampden Grammar School, Penistone Grammar School, and Chelmsford County High School—participated in the boys' and girls' championship matches before the Pavilion and the Father Time weather vane. The tournament honors two former and current England Test captains who came through the state education system, Heather Knight and Ben Stokes, both of whom delivered video greetings to the young athletes. Alongside taking the pitch, the students enjoyed lunch, conducted media sessions, and were granted complete access to the Pavilion's dressing rooms.