As the Rothesay County Championship prepares to commence on Friday, April 3, the ECB Reporters Network, with support from Rothesay, delivers detailed county-by-county previews. This guide highlights key players, recent changes, and challenges faced by counties in Division One and Division Two, helping cricket fans anticipate the excitement to come.
Division One Outlook:
Essex - Under Captain Tom Westley and Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood, Essex finished 6th in 2025. The team has bolstered its seam attack with acquisitions like Zaman Akhter and Wiaan Mulder, looking to balance a batting lineup famous for red-ball centuries with a more effective bowling unit. Young talents like Charlie Allison and Charlie Bennett are expected to develop and step up to the challenge, while Jordan Cox eyes an England call-up amid a competitive batting environment.
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Glamorgan - Returning to Division One for the first time since 2005, Glamorgan, led by Kiran Carlson and coach Richard Dawson, face a tough challenge. Despite a quiet winter, they welcome Sean Dickson and rely heavily on young prospects Asa Tribe and Ben Kellaway to stabilize the batting. The leg-spinner Mason Crane is anticipated to have increased opportunities to address seam bowling shortages.
Hampshire - With Ben Brown as captain and Russell Domingo stepping in as head coach, Hampshire’s 8th place finish in 2025 reflects a year of upheaval. Off-season changes include recruiting Jake Lehmann to add experience to the batting order and the promising Ben Mayes emerging as a player to watch. Speedster Sonny Baker aims to build on past international experience by delivering consistent performances.
Leicestershire - Champions of Division Two in 2025 and newly promoted, Ian Holland leads the squad under Alfonso Thomas’s coaching. The club faces the task of maintaining Division One status with key bowlers like Josh Hull needing to mature. Promising spin all-rounder Rehan Ahmed is expected to press his case for England selection after an impressive season.
Nottinghamshire - The defending champions, captained by Haseeb Hameed with head coach Peter Moores, face the challenge of defending their title without key players like Mohammad Abbas. New arrivals, including Mohammad Ali and Kyle Verreynne, aim to ensure continuity, while the spin department battles for dominance. Hameed’s consistent form makes him a candidate for further international honors.
Somerset - Finishing 3rd in 2025, Somerset, captained by Lewis Gregory and coached by Jason Kerr, have opted for youth promotion after several departures. New seamer Josh Shaw adds experience, while emerging players like James Rew and Alfie Ogborne are expected to contribute significantly. Veteran spinner Jack Leach remains a pivotal figure in the bowling attack.
Surrey - Under Rory Burns and coach Gareth Batty, Surrey finished 2nd last season and are eager to reclaim the title. New signing Sean Abbott adds depth and leadership, complemented by India’s Rahul Chahar, a record-breaking debutant. Key players like Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith must improve their form to strengthen England candidacies.
Sussex - Led by Ollie Robinson with Paul Farbrace as head coach, Sussex aims to shake off a 12-point penalty and build on their 4th place finish. New additions like Jack Leaning and Tom Price offer strengthened batting and all-round capabilities. Youngster James Coles could make strides toward international selection this season.
Warwickshire - Fifth in 2025, Warwickshire welcome back experienced bowlers Chris Woakes and Keith Barker, boosting an attack heavily reliant on Olly Hannon-Dalby. Under captain Ed Barnard and coach Ian Westwood, the team seeks to make a strong push with improved squad depth and stability.
Yorkshire - Captain Jonny Bairstow and coach Anthony McGrath look to build on a 7th place finish with significant overseas signings including Jhye Richardson and Sam Whiteman. Emerging talents such as James Wharton add excitement as Yorkshire aims for its first four-day title since 2015, hoping for crucial England player availability.
Division Two Outlook highlights counties like Derbyshire, Durham, Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, and Worcestershire, each with distinct ambitions to gain promotion and develop promising talent.
Gloucestershire, captained by Cameron Bancroft and coached by Mark Alleyne, finished 6th in Division Two last year. With a refreshed pace attack including Gabe Bell and returning Craig Miles, the county looks to build around powerful all-rounder Ben Charlesworth and dependable batsman James Bracey. New director of cricket Jon Lewis brings extensive experience that should strengthen the team’s prospects.
Somerset and Gloucestershire’s focus on nurturing young talent alongside strategic recruitment sets the stage for an engaging campaign in the Rothesay County Championship. Fans can anticipate thrilling competitions, emerging stars, and fierce battles as counties seek glory in the 2026 season.