Paul Edwards takes a look back at the key dates and events which made the County Championship so special

A star is born: Colin Cowdrey made his Kent debut in 1950 and went on to become a legend
PICTURES: Getty Images

In 1973, the Post Office issued three stamps commemorating the centenary of the Championship. They featured rather pleasant drawings of WG Grace, although the light blue 9p, which depicted him leaving the wicket, may not have been to the old man’s taste.
There was, though, one problem. First-class county cricket had begun in 1864 and was not formally organised until 18...