Club-by-club guide to the 2026 County Championship

With spring in full swing and temperatures climbing above a mild 10°C, the 2026 County Championship season is set to begin. The competition features all 18 teams in action on Friday, but what lies ahead for the clubs? BBC local radio commentators have shared their insights into the prospects of each side.

2025 Season Highlights: Derbyshire’s Rise

Derbyshire’s performance in 2025 was a standout moment for the domestic game, climbing from the second division’s bottom spot to third place. The team narrowly missed promotion by five points, a significant achievement that has set high expectations for the upcoming campaign.

“The inability to win games was apparent by July as draws started to turn into defeats.” – Martin Emmerson

Head coach Mickey Arthur has bolstered the squad with new signings, including Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas, who joined from Nottinghamshire on a two-year contract. Abbas, known for taking 32 wickets at an average of 21.46 in the first division last year, is expected to play a pivotal role. England’s Shoaib Bashir, returning from Somerset, will also seek to regain his form after a challenging winter. Matt Montgomery, a former loan player who hit two centuries in six innings during the One-Day Cup, has now signed permanently. His addition strengthens an already formidable batting line-up featuring Caleb Jewell, who reached 1,000 Championship runs in 2025, and skipper Wayne Madsen, who matched that milestone.

2025 Season Recap: Durham’s Struggles

Durham’s 2025 campaign saw them finish ninth in Division One, marking their second relegation in recent years. The club’s performance was marred by inconsistency, with only two wins in the season. A narrow loss to Notts in May hinted at their potential, but the final day in Leeds proved decisive, sending them back to Division Two.

“It was yet another season where they struggled to keep bowlers fit and too many batters struggled.” – Martin Emmerson

Coach Ryan Campbell, who secured a two-year contract prior to the season, expressed surprise at the outcome. Meanwhile, key players like David Bedingham faced setbacks, including a toe injury that kept him sidelined for weeks. Sam Conners, injured at the start of the campaign, and Will Rhodes, who struggled with the bat, added to the challenges. However, the signing of West Indies bowler Kemar Roach, who previously won three county titles, offers hope for a stronger 2026 season.