1961 County Championship

The 1961 County Championship was the 62nd officially organised running of the County Championship. Hampshire won their first ever Championship title.

For the 1961 season, the follow-on was abolished in the County Championship, when play took place on the first day of matches. Teams were able to forfeit their second innings, but none did so.

Table

 * 12 points for a win
 * 6 points to side still batting in the fourth innings of a match in which scores finish level
 * 2 points for first innings lead
 * 2 bonus points for side leading on first innings if they also score faster on runs per over in first innings
 * If no play possible on the first two days, and the match does not go into the second innings, the side leading on first innings scores 8 points.
 * Teams played either 28 or 32 matches. Therefore, a final average was calculated by dividing the points by the matches played which determined the final placings.