Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
DIVISION ONE
Durham
Captain: Alex Lees
Coach: Ryan Campbell
Last Season: 5th
Season Preview
Durham’s Division One campaign hinges on replicating home form and mitigating England player call-ups. They secured a mid-table finish last season primarily due to dominant displays at the Riverside, claiming three innings victories out of four total wins on their home ground. Batter David Bedingham was a standout performer, topping the division’s run charts with 1331 runs at an impressive average of 78.29, including 25 sixes and 147 fours. Durham has since reinforced their batting lineup with the signings of Emilio Gay, who boasted an average of 57.43 for Northamptonshire last season, and Will Rhodes, who accumulated 1,020 runs at 48.57 for Warwickshire. The continued development of young prospect Ben McKinney, a towering 20-year-old opener, is also anticipated to bolster their batting strength. However, potential disruptions loom as England may frequently select their key seam bowlers, with Matt Potts and Brydon Carse likely to be involved with the national Test team, and Mark Wood sidelined until July following knee surgery.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 5th
Essex
Captain: Tom Westley
Coach: Chris Silverwood
Last Season: 4th
Season Preview
Essex enters the new season with a formidable bowling attack, evidenced by boasting four of the top wicket-takers in Division One last year, headlined by Jamie Porter’s leading 56 wickets. Plans to further strengthen their pace options with Indian seamer Shardul Thakur for the season’s outset were thwarted due to his Indian Premier League opportunity. While their batting might not be as overtly powerful, former South Africa captain Dean Elgar returns, having scored just shy of the championship’s highest run-scorer last season. Jordan Cox also impressed with his high batting average in limited appearances. The return of Chris Silverwood as coach, who guided Essex to the title in 2017, injects further optimism into their Division One aspirations.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Hampshire
Captain: Ben Brown
Coach: Adrian Birrell
Last Season: 2nd
Season Preview
Hampshire aims to ascend to the championship summit after consecutive near misses, finishing third in 2022 and 2023 and as runners-up last season, where their sole defeat came against eventual champions Surrey. This season, they embark on this pursuit without their former captain and talisman, James Vince, who has retired from red-ball cricket. Vince was their leading run-scorer for the past four seasons, contributing 986 runs at an average of 49.3 last year. Coupled with the departure of experienced bowler Mohammad Abbas, Hampshire will rely on other players to elevate their performances. Australian fast-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards appears a promising acquisition, although his stint is limited until the end of May. The team’s fortunes will heavily depend on the experience of Liam Dawson and the potential of Tom Prest.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 4th
Nottinghamshire
Captain: Haseeb Hameed
Coach: Peter Moores
Last Season: 8th
Season Preview
Nottinghamshire narrowly avoided relegation last season and appears stronger for the upcoming campaign. Kyle Verreynne, who impressed in his brief 2024 stint, returns for most of the season, aiming to build upon his prior form, although replicating a 248 average is highly improbable. Furthermore, the squad is boosted by the return of two bowlers with Test ambitions, Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington, both recovering from injuries. Tongue claims to have surpassed his pre-injury levels, while Pennington seeks to capitalize on a breakthrough season where he claimed 31 wickets before a hamstring injury hampered his Hundred campaign. Fergus O’Neill will enhance the bowling department at the season’s commencement, and Mohammad Abbas is set to feature for six matches across May and September.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 7th
Somerset
Captain: Lewis Gregory
Coach: Jason Kerr
Last Season: 3rd
Season Preview
Following a frustrating 2024 season where Somerset finished as runners-up in both white-ball competitions and third in the Championship, they are keen to secure silverware this year. Their team is invigorated by the return of Will Smeed, who reversed his red-ball retirement, expressing his eagerness to contribute to the team’s ambitions. Matt Henry also rejoins after a successful six-game spell in 2023, signing for the initial seven fixtures. The New Zealander will provide balance to a bowling attack rich in spin options like Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan, the 19-year-old son of Michael Vaughan, who impressed with 15 wickets at 20.13 last season. These additions allow Somerset to loan out Shoaib Bashir to Glamorgan.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Surrey
Captain: Rory Burns
Coach: Gareth Batty
Last Season: 1st
Season Preview
Surrey enters the season as overwhelming favorites, aiming for a fourth consecutive title, a feat not achieved since their own remarkable seven-year reign from 1952 to 1958. Under coach Gareth Batty since 2022, Surrey has become a dominant force, showing no signs of decline. England’s emphasis on pace bowling may mean they refrain from selecting Surrey’s exceptional bowler, Dan Worrall, an Australian-born seamer with 139 first-class wickets at 21.17 since joining the Oval, once he qualifies for England this month. New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith and Matt Fisher from Yorkshire have been acquired to compensate for Worrall’s potential absence. Kemar Roach also returns for the first four matches, providing further depth to the Surrey squad.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 1st
Sussex
Captain: John Simpson
Coach: Paul Farbrace
Last Season: 1st Div Two
Season Preview
Sussex approaches their return to Division One after a decade-long absence with evolution rather than drastic change. They’ve incorporated emerging talents and retained most overseas players who contributed to their Division Two success last year. Australian seamer Gurinder Sandhu joins the squad following the delayed arrival of India’s Jaydev Unadkat until September. John Simpson had a standout season last year in his inaugural year as captain since joining from Middlesex, maintaining stellar batting form with an average of 74.81 across 20 innings. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial as Sussex aims to avoid a relegation battle, despite coach Paul Farbrace stating their aim to contend for the title.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 9th
Warwickshire
Captain: Alex Davies
Coach: Ian Westwood
Last Season: 7th
Season Preview
Warwickshire underwent coaching changes with Ian Westwood replacing Mark Robinson after disappointing seasons. Chief executive Stuart Cain voiced dissatisfaction with recent performances, leading to Robinson’s dismissal. While the retirements of Michael Burgess and Will Rhodes’s move to Durham are setbacks, Warwickshire has made astute signings. New Zealand’s Test captain, Tom Latham, is secured for the summer, pending recovery from a hand injury. Beau Webster, now an established Australian Test all-rounder, rejoins the team in May, having previously played in local Birmingham leagues in 2016.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 6th
Worcestershire
Captain: Brett D’Oliveira
Coach: Alan Richardson
Last Season: 6th
Season Preview
Worcestershire faced a challenging start last season, failing to win any of their first eight games. A subsequent run of three victories lifted them clear of relegation concerns. This season is anticipated to be even more demanding. In 2024, their three most effective bowlers each claimed 27 wickets, but Nathan Smith’s move to Surrey and Joe Leach’s retirement place significant pressure on Tom Taylor. Worcestershire has acquired all-rounder Ben Allison, returning after previous loan spells, alongside 20-year-old spinner Fateh Singh and New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy for the season’s first half. A tougher season is predicted for Worcestershire in Division One.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 10th
Yorkshire
Captain: Jonny Bairstow
Coach: Anthony McGrath
Last Season: 2nd Div Two
Season Preview
Yorkshire sees the return of Anthony McGrath as coach, who aims high after nine years at Essex. He stated the team should “try and win it,” echoing captain Jonny Bairstow’s optimistic stance of “never say never”. Yorkshire’s promotion season was marked by contrasting halves: a winless start followed by a dominant finish. Ben Coad and Adam Lyth excelled, taking 56 wickets and scoring 1,215 runs respectively. While they may prosper in Division One, championship victory appears ambitious for Yorkshire this season, considering the strength of other Division One teams.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 8th
DIVISION TWO
Derbyshire
Captain: Wayne Madsen
Coach: Mickey Arthur
Last Season: 8th
Season Preview
Derbyshire endured another season near the division’s bottom, though they achieved their first home championship victory in five years against Glamorgan. This was their solitary win of the summer. Wayne Madsen, 41, resumes captaincy, reminiscent of their 2012 promotion season. Blair Tickner returns as overseas player, alongside Australian opener Caleb Jewell. England Lion Harry Moore, a tall teenage prospect, could add dynamism to their lineup, but expectations for Derbyshire in Division Two remain tempered.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 8th
Glamorgan
Captain: Sam Northeast
Coach: Richard Dawson
Last Season: 6th
Season Preview
Glamorgan’s off-season was notably marked by the unexpected dismissal of coach Grant Bradburn. Richard Dawson steps in as interim coach, inheriting a mixed squad with batting talent but a bowling attack relying heavily on Timm van der Gugten. Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando joins for an initial stint, while Mason Crane may benefit from a spin-bowling head coach. Glamorgan still hopes to secure Marnus Labuschagne’s return, adding further batting firepower to boost their Division Two campaign.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 7th
Gloucestershire
Captain: Cameron Bancroft
Coach: Mark Alleyne
Last Season: 7th
Season Preview
Gloucestershire navigated a challenging red-ball season overshadowed by financial concerns and administrative changes. Despite off-field issues, a talented group of young cricketers is present. Cameron Bancroft takes over captaincy, joined by Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for five April games, funded by a benefactor. Zafar Gohar’s move to Middlesex is a setback, leaving recruitment limited due to financial constraints, and impacting their Division Two aspirations this season.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 6th
Kent
Captain: Daniel Bell-Drummond
Coach: Adam Hollioake
Last Season: 10th Div One
Season Preview
Kent welcomes Adam Hollioake as coach, bringing a no-excuses approach after a dismal relegation season marked by only one championship win and low batting points. Daniel Bell-Drummond faces resource limitations but Wes Agar returns, and Chris Benjamin joins to bolster wicket-keeping stocks. Hollioake’s priority is rebuilding Kent’s batting resilience after a poor Division One showing and improving their chances in Division Two.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Lancashire
Captain: Keaton Jennings
Coach: Dale Benkenstein
Last Season: 9th Div One
Season Preview
Lancashire seeks immediate Division One return after a disastrous 2024 season culminating in relegation. Coach and captain remain, aiming for a swift bounce-back, a historical trend for Lancashire. A young team is strengthened by veteran Jimmy Anderson, returning Anderson Phillip, and Marcus Harris for experience and runs. Young prospect Rocky Flintoff also looms, making Lancashire a strong contender for Division Two promotion.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 1st
Leicestershire
Captain: Peter Handscomb
Coach: Alfonso Thomas
Last Season: 5th
Season Preview
Leicestershire’s Division Two prospects hinge on sustaining promotion contention until Shan Masood’s arrival. Peter Handscomb assumes captaincy after Lewis Hill’s departure, tasked with leading young players like Rishi Patel and Rehan Ahmed. Josh Hull, a tall left-arm prospect, aims to overcome past injury setbacks and contribute to Leicestershire’s promotion push in the County Championship.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 5th
Middlesex
Captain: Toby Roland-Jones
Coach: Richard Johnson
Last Season: 3rd
Season Preview
Middlesex has generated significant optimism for promotion in Division Two with the high-profile signing of Kane Williamson. Williamson will feature in five games, alongside slow left-armer Zafar Gohar, Dane Paterson, and Ben Geddes. Ethan Bamber’s departure is mitigated by academy prospect Naavya Sharma. Despite off-field issues, Middlesex is well-positioned for a strong promotion challenge in the County Championship.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Northamptonshire
Captain: Luke Procter
Coach: Darren Lehmann
Last Season: 4th
Season Preview
Northamptonshire, under coach Darren Lehmann who dislikes draws, aims to convert draws into wins after nine draws last season. Despite losing players like Jack White and Emilio Gay, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returns. George Scrimshaw seeks to overcome injury setbacks and contribute. Lehmann’s influence is anticipated to bring change for Northamptonshire, aiming for a stronger Division Two showing in the County Championship.
Prediction
Predicted Finish: 4th