Essex
Previewed by Martin Smith – ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Simon Harmer
Abroad gamers: Simon Harmer (South Africa, full competitors), Mohammad Amir (Pakistan, full competitors).
Finals Day appearances: Six (2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2023)
Titles: One (2019)
2024 end: Fifth (South Group)
2024 highest run-scorer: Michael Pepper (535)
2024 highest wicket-taker: Paul Walter (17)
Key winter strikes: With Sam Cook dinner prone to be requisitioned by England for a lot of the summer time, Essex reacted by re-signing Mohammad Amir to replenish their seam-bowling shares. The skilled Pakistan worldwide left-armer returns after taking 24 wickets throughout two Blast spells in 2017 and 2019, the latter serving to Essex alongside the street in the direction of their solely success within the competitors.
The massive query: Can Essex shrug off their perennial enigmatic type in T20 cricket? Their whole historical past within the brief format has been affected by suits and begins, false dawns and letdowns. Now, will the brand new administration axis of (coach) Chris Silverwood and (captain) Simon Harmer align to supply one thing extra concrete and vital?
Wildcard watch: Matt Critchley has performed in all 4 iterations of The Hundred – for Welsh Hearth (2021-2022) and London Spirit (2023-24) – however was missed within the 2025 Draft. The golden-arm all-rounder was Essex’s second-highest wicket-taker in final season’s Blast with 14, proof that leg-spinners are greater than value their weight in white-ball cricket. What’s extra, he’s additionally an explosive bat.
Last thought: Michael Pepper has established himself as one of the crucial thrilling of big-hitting gunslingers. In a private 2024 Blast marketing campaign that included two centuries, he peppered the stands and terraces of South Group venues with 32 sixes – seven greater than anybody else and that in a season wherein Essex did not qualify for the latter phases. He toured West Indies with England’s white-ball staff within the winter; is he able to step into the primary XI at worldwide stage?
Previewed by Blake Bint, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Kiran Carlson
Abroad Gamers: Colin Ingram (South Africa, full competitors), Hayden Kerr (Australia, full competitors)
Finals day appearances: Two (2004, 2017)
Titles: None
2024 end: Sixth (South Group)
2024 main runscorer: Kiran Carlson (380)
2024 main wicket-taker: Mason Crane (19)
Key winter strikes: Glamorgan’s largest miss for the T20 marketing campaign this season will probably be Marnus Labuschagne. The all-action Australian joined for a few Rothesay County Championship matches, however worldwide duties imply he’s not obtainable for the Blast. However Glammy have made a wise transfer to usher in Aussie all-rounder Hayden Kerr who has been a mainstay with the Sydney Sixers and provides flexibility within the batting in addition to a left-arm possibility.
The massive query: Can interim head coach Richard Dawson carry his Midas Contact in white-ball cricket to Glamorgan? He led Gloucestershire to 50-over success in his first season throughout the Severn Bridge and the membership reached the knockout phases of the Blast in 4 of his finals 5 seasons. He coached England U19s to a World Cup ultimate and was on the England workers when the boys’s staff gained the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Wildcard watch: Mason Crane is at present the one Glamorgan participant in a The Hundred squad the place he’ll proceed to work with Dawson at Welsh Hearth. Ben Kellaway can have eyes on him after his breakout white-ball marketing campaign in 2023 and enters the match with strong red-ball type which may propel the ambidextrous 21-year-old’s hopes.
Last thought: After securing a white-ball title final yr when profitable the Metro Financial institution One-Day Cup, Glamorgan will really feel as if they underperformed within the Vitality Blast. They did present their high quality within the ultimate group sport with a record-breaking win over eventual runners-up Somerset by 120 runs. They’ve gamers who will push on the door with Alex Horton, a possible alternative for veteran wicket-keeper Chris Cooke, and all-rounders Tom Bevan and Dan Douthwaite guaranteeing loads of choice complications.
Gloucestershire
Previewed by Richard Latham, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Jack Taylor
Abroad gamers: D’Arcy Quick (Australia, all group matches), Cameron Bancroft (Australia, full competitors)
Finals Day appearances: 4 (2003, 2007, 2020, 2024)
Titles: One
2024 end: Winners
2024 main run-scorer: Cameron Bancroft (534)
2024 main wicket-taker: David Payne (33)
Key winter strikes: Dynamic with the bat and a succesful wrist spinner, Aussie worldwide D’Arcy Quick seems positive to show an thrilling alternative for fellow countryman Beau Webster, who featured in 13 of Gloucestershire’s 17 Blast matches final season. Aged 34, Quick has represented his nation 23 instances in T20s and in eight ODIs.
The massive query: Gloucestershire have all the time revelled within the position of underdogs and did so once more to turn into shock winners of final yr’s Blast. As holders of the trophy, nobody will probably be underestimating them this season, so can them carry out as properly with the added stress of being among the many favourites to achieve Finals Day?
Wildcard watch: Solely Cameron Bancroft scored extra Blast runs for Gloucestershire final season than Miles Hammond, who notched 54 fours and 23 sixes in averaging 32.46 as an ever-present all through the competitors. The 29-year-old left-hander will once more be a key determine in defending the trophy.
Last thought: Mark Alleyne’s affect on Gloucestershire’s one-day cricket guarantees to be as essential as when he captained the aspect of their glory years. Nobody anticipated a trophy final season, his first since returning to the membership as head coach, however his shrewd tactical mind and profitable mentality rapidly transferred to the staff as they beat scorching favourites Somerset in a one-sided ultimate to turn into Blast champions.
Hampshire Hawks
Previewed by Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: James Vince
Abroad gamers: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa, 10 matches from June 13), Dewald Brevis (South Africa, full competitors)
Finals Day appearances: 10 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Titles: Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2024 end: Seventh (South Group)
2024 main runscorer: Joe Weatherley (324)
2024 main wicket taker: John Turner (15)
Key winter strikes: The Hawks have fully refreshed their abroad contingent with two of essentially the most thrilling younger gamers on this planet. Lhuan-dre Pretorius was the highest run-scorer within the SA20 over the winter and wunderkind Dewald Brevis. Quick bowler Sonny Baker can be added from final yr’s Blast.
The massive query: Can James Vince really feel at residence once more? The Hawks skipper is barely taking part in within the Blast for Hampshire this yr after transferring to Dubai over the winter. He had a uncommon lean 2024 – comprehensible after assaults on his household home – however the Blast’s all-time main run scorer has been tearing up franchise leagues around the globe and is able to return to the UK together with his damaging model of cricket.
Wildcard watch: Dewald Brevis. Has been mentored by South African nice AB de Villiers and it reveals. He burst onto the scene by breaking essentially the most runs on the 2022 U19 World Cup. He ended that yr by smashing 162 in 57 balls – the joint third highest T20 rating of all-time. Extra just lately, he gained the SA20 with MI Cape City with the competitors’s highest strike-rate. Additionally bowls very helpful leg-spin.
Last thought: Having gained the Blast in 2022, earlier than reaching Finals Day the next yr, 2024 was underwhelming, crammed with a sequence of abroad not arriving and normal beneath efficiency. The brand new Proteas contingent supplies an thrilling new headline however the core squad, that is aware of the distinctive challenges of the expansive Utilita Bowl, remains to be there. Vince ought to return more energizing with out two months of Rothesay County Championship cricket in his legs however with PSL type.
Kent Spitfires
Previewed by Fred Atkins, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Sam Billings
Abroad gamers: Wes Agar (Australia, all group matches) Tom Rogers (Australia, all group matches)
Finals Day appearances: 4 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2021)
Titles: Two (2007, 2021)
2024 end: Ninth (South Group)
2024 main runscorer: Sam Billings (411)
2024 main wicket taker: Matt Parkinson (16)
Key winter strikes: Rogers was an emergency signing final yr and loved himself a lot he mentioned he’d come again totally free (though he’s being paid). Agar was solely purported to play red-ball cricket final yr however did sufficient as emergency cowl to earn a multi-format deal. Chris Benjamin’s arrival from Bears ought to add some firepower.
The massive query: Will the return of Fred Klaassen galvanise a bowling unit that was badly uncovered final yr? The Dutch worldwide missed most of 2023 and all of 2024. Inexperienced replacements have been severely punished for the slightest lapses in size, line or each, however Klaassen provides each a wicket-taking menace and a stage of self-discipline and management severely missing final season.
Wildcard watch: Daniel Bell-Drummond. The trendy right-hander is with no The Hundred staff after earlier stints at London Spirit and Birmingham Phoenix. He’s a secure wager for any staff in search of top-order hitting with greater than 4,000 Vitality Blast runs to his identify at a strike fee near 140, whereas he loved a worthwhile 2024 with 373 runs which included three half-centuries.
Last thought: Does any aspect blow as cold and warm as Kent have completed in the previous couple of seasons? They gained the Blast in 2021, completed backside of the South Group in 2022, have been unfortunate to not attain the quarter-finals in 2023 and struggled once more in 2024. If this sample continues they need to be due season, and 7 of the 2021 champions (Crawley, Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, Billings, Leaning, Stewart and Klaassen) stay on the membership.
Middlesex
Previewed by Jon Batham, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Stephen Eskinazi
Abroad gamers: Kane Williamson (New Zealand, full competitors) and Josh Little (Ireland, full competitors)
Finals Day appearances: One (2008)
Titles: One (2008)
2024 end: Eighth (South Group)
2024 main runscorer: Martin Andersson (282)
2024 main wicket taker: Luke Hollman (23)
Key winter strikes: The signings of a world-class batter in Kane Williamson and left-arm seamer Josh Little, a person with stacks of expertise of franchise cricket, is a press release of intent. Final yr’s main run-scorer Martin Andersson has left for Derbyshire and it stays to be seen if one other new arrival, Zafar Gohar will type a two-pronged spin assault alongside Luke Hollman.
The massive query: Can Middlesex stay as much as head coach Richard Johnson’s nice expectations? Johnson declared pre-season it was time to maneuver from ‘creating to profitable’. Williamson and Little’s presences will assist, however kids invested in over latest years must emulate Hollman’s feats from 2024 if the Seaxes are to enhance on their file since lifting the trophy in 2008.
Wildcard watch: Joe Cracknell. The 25-year-old regressed a bit final season, when shifted across the order and unable to settle into a selected position. Nevertheless, whether or not within the powerplay or as a finisher he’s proven his potential as a big-hitter and a return to his greatest may see him add to the three appearances made for London Spirit within the inaugural Hundred of 2021.
Last thought: The one method is up for Middlesex, however their long-suffering supporters have heard that earlier than. Andersson was 41stamongst match runscorers final season whereas Max Holden’s strike-rate of 160 was robust however he not often batted lengthy sufficient. Williamson’s presence ought to assist the tempo the innings, which had some good begins however too many collapses. Hollman, fifth in final season’s listing of wicket-takers can shine once more, whereas Little’s expertise within the powerplay and demise overs will probably be key to any enchancment.
Somerset
Previewed by Richard Latham, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Lewis Gregory
Abroad gamers: Riley Meredith (Australia, full competitors), Matt Henry (New Zealand, first 11 group matches)
Finals Day appearances: 10 (2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Titles: Two (2005, 2023)
2024 end: Runners-up
2024 main run-scorer: Tom Banton (515)
2024 main wicket-taker: Ben Inexperienced (21)
Key winter strikes: Australia T20 worldwide tempo bowler Riley Meredith was signed to exchange Kiwi Matt Henry final season. Now each have been recruited to type an thrilling new-ball partnership, which guarantees to be as potent as any within the Blast, with Craig Overton as an achieved back-up.
The massive query: Can the likes of Will Smeed and Tom Kohler-Cadmore hit the bottom operating with their highly effective stroke play, with out the good thing about some red-ball cricket behind them this summer time? The massively gifted Smeed averaged solely 21 in final yr’s Blast and must reestablish himself as a destroyer on the high of the order.
Wildcard watch: Lewis Goldsworthy has not featured in Championship cricket for Somerset this season, however his potential as a spinner allied to his prowess with the bat may make him a candidate to exchange Roelof van der Merwe, whose Somerset T20 profession has ended after two spectacular spells with the membership.
Last thought: The burning reminiscence of a shock defeat by arch-rivals Gloucestershire in final yr’s Blast ultimate ought to be all the inducement Somerset must drive them to a different Finals Day with a staff that appears stronger within the bowling division than final season and equally explosive with the bat.
Surrey
Previewed by Mark Baldwin, ECB Reporters Community, supported by Rothesay
Captain: Sam Curran
Abroad gamers: Mitchell Santner (New Zealand, obtainable after IPL and knockout matches), Nathan Smith (New Zealand, full competitors)
Finals Day appearances: 9 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023, 2024)
Titles: One (2003)
2024 end: Semi-finals
2024 main run-scorer: Jamie Smith (285)
2024 main wicket-taker: Tom Curran (16)
Key winter strikes: New Zealand’s white-ball captain, Mitchell Santner, is out there when the rescheduled IPL finishes and also will be obtainable for the knock-out phases in September if the staff – now captained by Sam Curran – qualify for the knockout phases of the competitors. Left-arm spinner Santner’s fellow Kiwi, all-rounder Nathan Smith, has already impressed within the Rothesay County Championship because the membership’s different new abroad signing this season.
The massive query: As ever, and particularly after a second successive semi-final exit towards Somerset, who beat them by 24 runs in 2023 after which by six wickets final yr, Surrey are determined to jettison the tag of solely profitable the T20 Cup as soon as earlier than – the inaugural match beneath Adam Hollioake’s captaincy in 2003. There have now been eight unsuccessful Finals Day appearances since that triumph.
Wildcard watch: Dom Sibley. England’s erstwhile 22-times capped Take a look at opener reinvented himself in final season’s Vitality Blast by unveiling some beforehand unseen strokes – together with a rare reverse-scoop for six in his quarter-final profitable 67 not out towards Durham. Sibley scored 269 runs in 11 matches on the high of the order, on the extremely creditable strike fee of 133.83.
Last thought: Surrey are used to it by now – 24 gamers appeared in final summer time’s Blast marketing campaign – however juggling their sources round worldwide call-ups means one other huge check of the squad’s envied depth. A serious plus, nonetheless, is Sam Curran’s availability all through the group phases. Surrey’s new T20 captain, at current surplus to England’s white-ball necessities, performed solely 5 Blast innings final yr however smashed 13 sixes whereas scoring 237 runs at a strike fee above 150.
Sussex Sharks
Previewed by Bruce Talbot, ECB Reporters Community supported by Rothesay
Captain: Tymal Mills
Abroad gamers: Nathan McAndrew (Australia, all group stage), Gurinder Sandhu (Australia, all group stage), Daniel Hughes (Australia, full competitors).
Finals Day appearances: Six (2007, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2024).
Titles: One (2009)
2024 end: Semi-finalists
2024 main run scorer: Daniel Hughes (596)
2024 main wicket taker: Tymal Mills (24)
Key winter strikes: No main modifications. Tall Australian seamer Gurinder Sandhu, who has performed for 3 groups within the Big Bash, has primarily been signed for red-ball cricket in June and July however will probably be another choice for Mills.
The massive query: Mills was excellent in his first season as captain. Calm and composed beneath stress, he revelled within the duty, and fairly than affecting his bowling he completed with 24 wickets – greater than every other Sussex bowler and his best season since debut 14 years earlier. He’ll relish the chance to show that reaching Finals Day was no fluke and going one higher than the semi-finals.
Wildcard watch: Harrison Ward has been on Sussex’s workers since 2021 however till final season didn’t appear to have an outlined position and typically got here in as little as quantity eight. Mills gave him readability by making him Hughes’ opening associate and he responded with 350 runs, three fifies and a strike fee of 157.65, type that earned him an opportunity in The Hundred.
Last thought: Sussex have been surprising semi-finalists final yr, having gained ten video games out of 28 within the earlier two seasons, however Mills led them beautifully and with nearly the identical squad there’s no motive why they shouldn’t be aggressive. Head coach Paul Farbrace has set the bar excessive once more, and each he and Mills will regard not reaching the knockout phases at the very least as failure.
READ MORE: Vitality Blast 2025 – County-by-County preview of the North Group
