The 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay has provided the annual county-by-county preview for the Vitality Blast men's competition ahead of the opening games on Friday night.
The new-look competition features three groups of six counties - North, South, Central and West - and a group stage reduced to 12 matches per county. Vitality Blast Finals Day will be held at Edgbaston on Saturday 18 July.
North Group
Derbyshire Falcons
Previewed by Nigel Gardner, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Aneurin Donald
Overseas players:听Caleb Jewell (Australia, all), Akif Javed (Pakistan, all), Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan, second half)
Finals Day appearances:听One (2019)
Titles:听狈辞苍别
2025 finish:听9th in North Group
2025听leading run-scorer:听Anuerin Donald (449 runs)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (16 wickets)
Key winter moves:听Javed was a late replacement for leg spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who was signed for the first half of the tournament but withdrew after his call up by Pakistan. Matt Montgomery's move from neighbours Nottinghamshire will strengthen the batting and provide another spin option while Shoaib Bashir could play a part, England commitments permitting.
The big question: Do the Falcons have the bowling firepower to challenge for the knock-outs? Injuries to Harry Moore and Pat Brown have reduced the seam bowling options although Javed will bring pace and left-arm variety to the attack. Ghazanfar was one of the stars of last year's Blast and his arrival for the second half of the tournament could be crucial.
Wildcard watch:听Amrit Basra delivered some eye-catching innings in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup last season and has the potential to be a destructive force in the middle order. The 23-year-old all-rounder could also play an important role with his lively medium pace.
Final thought:听The Falcons have proven T20 match-winners in Donald, Ghazanfar and Wayne Madsen but need to put together consistent performances as a team to compete. After last summer's disappointing campaign, the only way is up and the Falcons will hope the arrival of Javed and Montgomery will give them momentum.
Durham
Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
颁补辫迟补颈苍:听Alex Lees
Overseas players:听David Bedingham (South Africa, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Two (2008, 2016)
罢颈迟濒别蝉:听None
2025 finish:听Quarter-finalists
2025 leading run-scorer:听Alex Lees (431)
2025 leading wicket-taker:听James Neesham (21)
Key winter moves:听Last season鈥檚 leading wicket-taker James Neesham, the experienced New Zealand international, has not been re-signed, with South African batter David Bedingham expected to be the sole overseas player. Kasey Aldridge played in last season鈥檚 Blast whilst on loan with Somerset but has since signed permanently. Paul Coughlin (Lancashire), Mitchell Killeen (Essex) and Bas de Leede (released) have all departed.
The big question:听One of four counties who have never won the Blast alongside Derbyshire Glamorgan and Yorkshire, that could do with changing sooner rather than later. Is this the year? Durham encouraged last year with a run to the quarter-finals 鈥� beaten at home by Hampshire 鈥� so they are definitely capable of success. It鈥檚 just about performing in the big moments.
Wildcard watch:听Emerging opener Ben McKinney has been on the tip of plenty of tongues with regards to a potential Test call, but he has the tools to be a success in T20 cricket too. Tall, long levers, plenty of power. He has a top score of 40 in 19 career appearances and played in this format for the Lions against the Pakistan Shaheens in February.
Final thought:听There is one key move which doesn鈥檛 fall into the 鈥榳inter鈥� category given it has only just happened. Durham鈥檚 long-standing director of cricket Marcus North 鈥� he was appointed up at the Banks Homes Riverside back in 2018 鈥� was last week appointed as England鈥檚 new national men鈥檚 selector, replacing the outgoing Luke Wright. Will that destabilise Durham鈥檚 Blast campaign? With a hugely experienced and highly rated coach in Ryan Campbell at the helm, it shouldn鈥檛 do.听
Lancashire Lightning听
Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
颁补辫迟补颈苍:听Keaton Jennings听
Overseas players:听Chris Green (Australia, all) and Ben McDermott (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances: 10听(2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2025)
罢颈迟濒别蝉:听One (2015)
2025 finish:听Semi-finalists
2025 leading run-scorer:听Keaton Jennings (459)
2025 leading wicket-taker:听Luke Wood (22)
Key winter moves: It鈥檚 a case of, 鈥業f you can鈥檛 beat them, sign them鈥� with the capture of powerful Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben McDermott 鈥� part of Hampshire鈥檚 team which beat Lancashire in the 2022 final. McDermott鈥檚 compatriot Chris Green, the talismanic all-rounder, is back for a third successive campaign. Another all-rounder in Paul Coughlin has signed from Durham.
The big question: Can the Lightning cope without Luke Wells (shoulder), Ajeet Singh Dale (hamstring) and Arav Shetty (finger), who have all had surgery and are long-term injury absentees? It stretched the squad during the first block of Championship matches. The loss of Wells would seem a particular blow given his capabilities with bat, ball and in the field.
Wildcard watch: Mitch Stanley. This isn鈥檛 the selection of an unknown quantity. After all, speedster Stanley, 25, is an England Lion. But he has yet to really prove himself in any format given his lack of cricket due to previous injuries and workload management. Since debuting four years ago in this format, he鈥檚 only played 18 matches. But what a talent. He could blow a few batting line-ups away.
Final thought: For all the Finals Day appearances, Lancashire just haven鈥檛 been able to get over the winning line. Only one title 鈥� in 2015, under new coach Steven Croft鈥檚 captaincy 鈥� is not enough. The availability of Messrs Buttler, Livingstone and Salt will be a key factor in their pursuit of title number two. Get the England trio for a bulk of matches from now until the start of July, before India arrive for limited overs internationals, and Lancashire could be motoring.听
Leicestershire Foxes
Previewed by Jon Culley, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Ben Green
Overseas players: Ashton Turner (Australia, all), Ajaz Patel (New Zealand, all), Nick Kelly (New Zealand, all)
Finals Day appearances: Five (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011)
Titles: Three (2004, 2006, 2011)
2025 finish: 7th in North Group
2025 leading run-scorer: Sol Budinger (358)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Logan van Beek (22)
Key winter moves: The Foxes have recruited well from overseas and at home with five-times Big Bash League winning Australia all-rounder Ashton Turner their marquee signing, along with New Zealand batter Nick Kelly and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. Domestic arrivals Ben Green and Josh Davey are both Vitality Blast winners with Somerset, while Stephen Eskinazi is a Big Bash winner with Turner鈥檚 Perth Scorchers.听
The big question: The Foxes have a storied history in this competition but have been underwhelming in recent seasons. This summer, though, they will have a lot of winning experience to call on after a busy winter of recruitment. After winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and the Division Two title in recent seasons, can Leicestershire now silence their doubters in this format too?
Wildcard watch: After missing out on a gig in The Hundred last summer, Rishi Patel will be eager to put matters right this time. A player with a 41-ball T20 century to his name, the elegant right-hand batter will hope he can carry forward his good early season red-ball form and make a big impact in the short format.
Final thought: Ben Green has led something of a double life the last couple of years, becoming a red-ball favourite during several spells on loan at Uptonsteel Grace Road, while at the same time remaining a key part of Somerset鈥檚 Vitality Blast line-up, with whom he reached four finals in five years, winning two of them.听 After finally signing him on a permanent deal, the Foxes wasted no time in making him their T20 captain. It could be one of their shrewdest decisions.
Notts Outlaws
Previewed by Jon Culley, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Joe Clarke
Overseas players: George Linde (South Africa, all)
Finals Day appearances: Six (2006, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Titles: Two (2017, 2020)
2025 finish: 6th (North Group)
2025 leading run-scorer: Tom Moores (459)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Daniel Sams (16)
Key winter moves: The Outlaws have recruited South African left-arm spinner George Linde but Australian veteran Peter Siddle鈥檚 Trent Bridge deal was cancelled over his appearance in the non-approved Legends Pro 20 League. Scotland鈥檚 George Munsey adds explosive power at the top of the order, while ex-Gloucestershire all-rounder Benny Howell has vast experience in franchise cricket and looks a canny acquisition.听
The big question: After finishing bottom of the North Group after a disastrous 2024 campaign, the Outlaws looked more like their old selves on occasions in 2025, when seven wins put them at least in contention for a quarter-final appearance, even though they missed out. Can they continue on an upward trajectory?
Wildcard watch: George Munsey has an outstanding record with Scotland and 2,700 runs in franchise cricket but signing for the Outlaws represents a new challenge. The big-hitting left-hander scored 84 off 54 balls in Scotland's win over Italy at the T20 World Cup and having an impact in the Vitality Blast could open the way to more opportunities.
Final thought: The Outlaws are still rebuilding in this format but made good strides in 2025 and the process will feel like it has stalled if they do not at least make the last eight this year.听 After a difficult first season, Joe Clarke looked to be finding his feet as captain in 2025. If he can build on that and carry forward his outstanding red-ball form, his performances are likely to be key.
Yorkshire
Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
颁补辫迟补颈苍:听Jonny Bairstow
Overseas players:听Hasan Ali (Pakistan, all), Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan, all), Logan van Beek (Netherlands, first half).
Finals Day appearances:听Three (2012, 2016, 2022)
罢颈迟濒别蝉:听None
2025 finish:听8th in North Group听
2025 leading run-scorer:听Dawid Malan (365)
2025 leading wicket-taker:听Will O鈥橰ourke (15)
Key winter moves:听Pakistani duo Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf have replaced injured duo Naveen-ul-Haq and Will Sutherland. Experienced Australian pair AJ Tye and Sam Whiteman are in on domestic-qualified deals, while ex-England all-rounder Moeen Ali is the headline recruit on a two-year Blast only deal. Former captain Dawid Malan has gone to Gloucestershire, with Jonny Bairstow stepping into his leadership shoes. Jordan Thompson has also left for Warwickshire.
The big question:听Can Yorkshire shed themselves of an unwanted statistic? They are one of only four counties never to have won the Vitality Blast alongside northern rivals Derbyshire and Durham, and also Glamorgan. Coach Anthony McGrath and general manager of cricket Gavin Hamilton have gone for added experience in a bid to change years of underachievement in county cricket鈥檚 shortest format.
Wildcard watch:听Will Luxton showed signs of excellence last summer, posting three fifties, including a stunning 90 not out opening the batting in a surprise away win over North Group winners Lancashire Lightning. With Malan Gloucestershire-bound, there鈥檚 a permanent place at the top of the order within exhilarating 23-year-old Luxton鈥檚 grasp. If he can grab it, it could be fun to watch.
Final thought:听A quote from Gavin Hamilton in December, shortly after the 2026 fixtures were released, perfectly sums up how Yorkshire鈥檚 hierarchy are viewing T20 cricket. He said: 鈥淣ext season is absolutely huge in terms of the Blast. Look, we know where we are in terms of our T20 side. We鈥檙e not where we want to be. We鈥檙e well aware that we can鈥檛 just keep doing the same things. That first trophy would be a stepping stone, hopefully, to bigger things.鈥�
SOUTH GROUP
Essex
Previewed by Martin Smith, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Simon Harmer
Overseas players: Simon Harmer (South Africa, all), Wiaan Mulder (South Africa, first six games)
Finals Day appearances:听Six (2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2023)
Titles:听One (2019)
2025 finish: 9th in South Group
2025 leading runscorer: Michael Pepper (364)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Mohammad Amir (20)
Key winter moves: With wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rossington not re-engaged after his T20-only contract did not work out, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder is the only addition to Essex鈥檚 Vitality Blast squad. Mulder鈥檚 most recent international T20 caps came as recently as March in New Zealand, and with approaching 150 appearances in the format, he should prove an asset in the early matches.
The big question: What will Jordan Cox have learnt from the IPL where he largely watched from the substitutes鈥� bench with Royal Challengers Bangalore rather than performing in the middle alongside Virat Kohli? Cox topped the Essex batting averages last season 鈥� 10 runs ahead of anyone else 鈥� and scored a memorable century against Hampshire. Can he do it again?
Wildcard watch: Luc Benkenstein. Leg-spinners are worth their weight in gold in white-ball cricket as Benkenstein showed in last year鈥檚 Blast where his 11 wickets earnt him a share of second place in the Essex wicket-taking list alongside Simon Harmer 鈥� and with a significantly superior average than his captain. Despite being only 21, he has T20 experience and temperament.
Final thought: Things can only get better for Essex. They won only three games last season, two of them late on with nothing at stake, to finish bottom of the South Group. The year before they were only edged out of a top-four place on run-rate, and in 2023 were beaten finalists. With their younger players a year more experienced, maybe an improved level of consistency can be expected to reverse the downward trend.
Hampshire Hawks
Previewed by Alex Smith, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听James Vince
Overseas players: Delano Potgieter (South Africa, until Tristan Stubbs arrives), Tristan Stubbs听(South Africa, after IPL), Hilton Cartwright (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听11 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
Titles:听Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2025 finish:听Runners-up
2025听leading听run-scorer:听Toby Albert (633)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Scott Currie (27)
Key winter moves:听Russell Domingo has replaced Adi Birrell in the head coach鈥檚 corner, while Benny Howell has departed to Notts Outlaws and semi-final hero Chris Lynn to Northamptonshire Steelbacks. South African middle-order blaster Tristan Stubbs will arrive once his IPL听stint听is done, likely after two matches, while Hilton Cartwright returns after a brief stint in 2025.
The big question:听Can the Vitality Blast revitalise Hampshire鈥檚 season? The opening six matches in the Rothesay County Championship have been an unmitigated nightmare for the county. But in T20 cricket, the Hawks are a well-oiled machine, and the Blast鈥檚 arrival could jolt everything back into gear and rebuild the confidence of those who need a pick-me-up.
Wildcard watch:听Toby Albert. Last year鈥檚 Vitality Blast top scorer was surprisingly overlooked at the Hundred Auction. Moved up to open, Albert piled on the runs with six half-centuries and was a key cog in the Hawks reaching the final. If he continues with his ramps, flicks, general power and tidy wicketkeeping, he will be a frontrunner for a Wildcard.听
Final thought:听Losing last year鈥檚 final hurt, but Hampshire haven鈥檛 been successful in the Blast by licking their wounds. They will be gunning for revenge and to become the first four-time champions. The squad, as ever, looks finely balanced. You know exactly what you are getting from James Vince, Chris Wood and Liam Dawson and the听overseas players have good experience. The likes of Joe Weatherley, Scott Currie and Toby Albert know their roles, while Ben Mayes and Manny Lumsden are raw and ready if called upon.
Kent Spitfires
Previewed by Fred Atkins, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Sam Billings
Overseas players:听 Tom Rogers听(Australia, all) Keith Dudgeon听(South Africa, all). Dian Forrester (South Africa 鈥� when commitments with A tour permit)
Finals Day appearances:听 Four (2007, 2008, 2009, 2021)
Titles:听Two (2007, 2021)
2025 finish: Quarter-finalist
2025听leading run-scorer:听Tawanda Muyeye (516)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Fred Klaassen (15)
Key winter moves:听There was genuine excitement when Kent swooped for both Jake Lintott, on loan from Warwickshire, and Forrester; while Bertie Foreman joins from Buckinghamshire. Jack Leaning has gone to Sussex and Nathan Gilchrist to Warwickshire, but the side that reached the last eight in 2025 is otherwise intact. Holding on to Muyeye was a very smart bit of business.
The big question:听Will the new format might work in Kent鈥檚 favour? It should make their path to the quarter-finals significantly easier as they no longer have to play the most recent champions, Somerset and Gloucestershire, home and away, but still get to play their local rivals. Travelling distances have been slashed, significantly enhancing player welfare.
Wildcard watch:听Coach Adam Hollioake believes Chris Benjamin has the potential to be one of the world鈥檚 most destructive batters. His 2025 campaign was ruined when he dislocated his shoulder grounding his bat at Lord鈥檚, but his red-ball form this year has been outstanding and with Billings keeping wicket he鈥檒l be able to concentrate purely on his batting.
Final thought:听 The St. Lawrence remains one of the great places to watch T20 cricket, but since winning the Blast in 2021, Kent have oscillated wildly. Off the pace in 2022 and 2024 they were unlucky not to go further in 2023 and 2025: Billings put last year鈥檚 quarter-final exit in a low-scoring affair at Emirates Old Trafford down to their failure to get Liam Livingstone out. Signing Lintott, Forrester and Foreman, all in the space of 24 hours, feels like a statement of intent.
Middlesex
Previewed by Jon Batham, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Leus du Plooy
Overseas players:听Eathan Bosch (all)
Finals Day appearances:听one (2008)
Titles:听One (2008)
2025 finish:听8th in South Group
2025听leading run-scorer:听Stephen Eskinazi (420)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Tom Helm (20)
Key winter moves:听Peter Fulton has arrived from New Zealand as head coach, but stellar batter Kane Williamson won鈥檛 be returning for a second stint and leading run-scorer from 2025, former skipper Stephen Eskinazi has left for Leicestershire. England U19 World Cup final century maker Caleb Falconer has been added to the squad and seems sure to make his Blast debut, while Adam Rossington returns to the club for the first six group-stage games.
The big question:听Can Fulton succeed where others have fallen short and revive the white-ball fortunes of a Middlesex team who have reached only two T20 quarter-finals since Toby Radford led them to the trophy in 2008? Two-metre Pete has form, leading previous team Canterbury to glory twice in New-Zealand鈥檚 premier white-ball competition, the Ford Trophy, though that is a 50-over format.
Wildcard watch:听Caleb Falconer. The 19-year-old right-hander has already secured a Hundred contract after announcing himself to the cricketing world with that century at the U19 World Cup final in Zimbabwe. He recently made his first-class debut and looks sure to play a part for a team which needs a creative spark in the shorter format.
Final thought:听Middlesex have an exciting crop of youngsters like Falconer, Sebastian Morgan, Naavya Sharma and others, some of whom took their first steps in the Blast last season. The challenge will be, with no sign of a marquee batter on the horizon, last year鈥檚 leading scorer Eskinazi having left, and wicket-keeper/batter Joe Cracknell set to miss the start of the competition with a broken finger, whether Middlesex set and chase down targets in a format where the power hitters are king.
Surrey
Previewed by Mark Baldwin, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Sam Curran
Overseas players:听Sean Abbott (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Nine (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023, 2024)
Titles:听One (2003)
2025 finish:听Quarter-finals
2025听leading run-scorer:听Will Jacks (504)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Sam Curran (21)
Key winter moves:听The return of Australian all-rounder Sean Abbott, for his fourth overseas player stint at Surrey, was announced just before the start of the season and welcomed by all at the club. Abbott is available for the whole Blast competition, in addition to Surrey鈥檚 first eight Rothesay County Championship games.
The big question:听It is a source of intense irritation at the Kia Oval that Surrey have still not managed to add another short-form triumph to the winning of the inaugural Twenty20 Cup back in 2003 under Adam Hollioake鈥檚 captaincy. Despite reaching eight Finals Days since, there has been no more silverware.
Wildcard watch:听With no fewer than 16 players signed up already by The Hundred franchises, the player with the best chance of becoming a 17th听is possibly 18-year-old Ralphie Albert, the left-arm spinner who can bat well and represented England U19s last winter. Oh, and he鈥檚 the grandson of snooker legend Jimmy White.
Final thought:听In a star-studded squad Ollie Sykes, at 21, is primed to push on again this summer after making 10 appearances in last year鈥檚 Vitality Blast and impressing with his powerful strokeplay despite limited opportunities in such a strong and deep batting line-up. Overall, last year鈥檚 quarter-final exit against a Ravi Bopara-inspired Northamptonshire has only cranked up still further Surrey鈥檚 resolve to win the Blast and get a monkey off their back.听听
Sussex Sharks
Previewed by Bruce Talbot, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Tymal Mills
Overseas players: Daniel Hughes (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances: Six (2007, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2024)
Titles: One (2009)
2025 finish: 6th in South Division
2025 leading run-scorer: James Coles (397)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Nathan McAndrew (23)
Key winter moves: The competition鈥檚 all-time leading wicket-taker Danny Briggs has returned to Hove and his experience will be crucial while two other recruits 鈥� former Gloucestershire all-rounder Tom Price and off-spinning batter Jack Leaning 鈥� have good records in the Blast.听
The big question: Sussex鈥檚 bowling options look plentiful and varied despite the departure of last season鈥檚 leading wicket-taker Nathan McAndrew. But there were question marks around the batting in 2025 with too much reliance placed on James Coles with no one else averaging above 27. A collective improvement in that area is needed.
Wildcard watch: Charlie Tear came of age in the 50-over tournament last year and the keeper-batter might get an extended opportunity this summer to show he has the transferable skills to flourish in the shorter white-ball format.听
Final thought: This is Sussex鈥檚 best chance of silverware. They have a squad with a lot of experience 鈥� Mills and Briggs in particular 鈥� as well as some seriously talented youngsters, like the 拢390k Hundred pick James Coles, who are potential match-winners in their own right. A better collective batting effort than 2025 should enable them to make the knockout stages as a bare minimum, although director of cricket Paul Farbrace is targeting a third appearance at Finals Day in six years.
CENTRAL AND WEST
Glamorgan
Previewed by Blake Bint, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Kiran Carlson
Overseas players:听Nathan McAndrew (Australia, all), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan, all), Colin Ingram (South Africa, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Two (2004, 2017)
Titles:听狈辞苍别
2025 finish:听5th in South Group
2025听leading run-scorer:听Colin Ingram (338 runs)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Ned Leonard & Dan Douthwaite (20 wickets)
Key winter moves:听Australian seamer Nathan McAndrew joining from Sussex is a good addition to Glamorgan after he took a five-wicket haul and a six-wicket haul against them in the competition last year. With fellow seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi in the squad, Glamorgan now have depth in their bowling attack with Mason Crane, Dan Douthwaite and Ned Leonard reliable performers in the format.
The big question:听Glamorgan鈥檚 biggest disappointment in recent seasons has been their inability to string results together to qualify from the group stage. Last year, individual performances from Dan Lawrence and Toby Albert took games away from the Welsh county when they were looked likely winners. And in 2024 a record win over Somerset in the format showed Glamorgan鈥檚 capabilities; can they pull it all together?
Wildcard watch:听Ned Leonard is the type of bowler one might think would be picked up in The Hundred. His point of difference in the Glamorgan attack is extra pace, which he demonstrated in a five-for against former club Somerset last season. Previously on the radar of England coaches, he has yet to play professional cricket in 2026 due to injury.
Final thought:听Glamorgan used the Vitality Blast last year as an opportunity to blood youngsters and give them responsibility. Alex Horton regularly featured, Ben Kellaway batted at four and Asa Tribe made a name for himself at number six, although he is likely to open when available. Richard Dawson has had plenty of success in red-ball cricket since joining as head coach 15 months ago, but can he translate that into white-ball success.
Gloucestershire
Previewed by Richard Latham, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Jack Taylor
Overseas players:听D鈥橝rcy Short (Australia, all), Liam Scott (Australia, five group matches), Cameron Bancroft (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Four (2003, 2007, 2020, 2024)
Titles:听One (2024)
2025 finish:听7th听in South Group
2025听leading run-scorer:听D鈥橝rcy Short (515)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听David Payne (17)
Key winter moves: News that D鈥橝rcy Short would return for the 2026 Blast came as a huge boost after the Australian鈥檚 impact on the competition last season. After a slow start, Short scored five half-centuries, with a top score of 83 off just 48 balls against Middlesex at Bristol. His tally of 515 runs was 239 more than Gloucestershire鈥檚 next highest scorer.
The big question:听How will Gloucestershire鈥檚 bowling attack fare following the loss of Josh Shaw, Ajeet Singh Dale and Zaman Akhter to rival counties and the retirement of left-arm spinner Tom Smith, now on the coaching staff? They will also be without overseas signing Liam Scott for the first six group games following his selection for Australia's ODI tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Wildcard watch:听Ben Charlesworth. The 25-year-old left-hander, who began the season by announcing his intention to leave Gloucestershire at the end of it, had a disappointing Blast campaign last year, registering eight scores below 20 in 13 innings. But he has the power and talent to mark his last T20 campaign at Bristol with a much better return.
Final thought:听Momentum is a powerful force in Blast cricket and Gloucestershire鈥檚 last campaign was a perfect illustration. As reigning champions, they made a disastrous start, losing their first five group matches. Four successive victories were then chalked up before hopes of qualifying from the group were dashed by four defeats in the last five games. A good start this season would build confidence and could make the team the force they were in 2024.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks
Previewed by Jeremy Blackmore, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听David Willey
Overseas players:听Chris Lynn (Australia, all), Nathan McSweeney (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Five (2009, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2025)
Titles:听Two (2013, 2016)
2025 finish:听Semi-finals
2025听leading run-scorer:听Ravi Bopara (462)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Ben Sanderson & George Scrimshaw (26)
Key winter moves:听Northamptonshire are glad to have big-hitting Australian opener Chris Lynn back for a third season at Wantage Road after his match-winning century for Hampshire in last season鈥檚 semi-final ended the Steelbacks鈥� cup dreams. Northamptonshire will miss Ravi Bopara following his retirement, but welcome Big Bash-winning captain Nathan McSweeney who has been scoring heavily in the Championship.
The big question:听David Willey has proved an inspirational leader, taking the Steelbacks to a quarter-final and a semi-final in his first two years in charge. Last season鈥檚 campaign began with a run of six victories before the Steelbacks stuttered in the second half of the group stages before rallying. Can the Steelbacks learn from that and maintain any early momentum?
Wildcard watch:听Opener Ricardo Vasconcelos has returned to his best and is striking the ball hard, but few would bet against Ben Sanderson staking a claim again after his Hundred wildcard pick-up last year. The 37-year-old seamer is among county cricket鈥檚 leading wicket-takers in the Championship with four five-wicket hauls to his name and proving as effective as ever.
Final thought:听Chris Lynn brings added firepower at the top of the order, while Willey will also be able to draw on McSweeney鈥檚 experience, as he looks to guide the Steelbacks to a second consecutive Finals Day appearance under charismatic head coach Darren Lehmann. Sanderson鈥檚 accuracy and Scrimshaw鈥檚 pace will again prove pivotal. Northamptonshire hope all-rounder Justin Broad, appointed vice-captain for the Blast, recovers from the back injury that ruled him out of the start of the season.
Somerset
Previewed by Richard Latham, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Lewis Gregory
Overseas players:听Riley Meredith (Australia, seventh group game onwards), Daniel Sams (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听11 (2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Titles:听Three (2005, 2023, 2025)
2025 finish:听Winners
2025听leading run-scorer:听Will Smeed (620)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Riley Meredith (28)
Key winter moves: Josh Shaw was recruited from Gloucestershire, but the other main moves concerned departures from last year鈥檚 successful squad, with Sean Dickson, Ben Green and Kasey Aldridge leaving for Glamorgan, Leicestershire and Durham respectively and overseas signing Matt Henry not returning.
The big question:听What impact will new overseas signing Daniel Sams have on Somerset鈥檚 exciting T20 squad? The 33-year-old all-rounder boasts more than 2,000 runs and 250 wickets in T20 cricket around the world, impressing in the IPL, Big Bash, CPL and PSL, while also gaining experience of English conditions with Essex and Nottinghamshire.
Wildcard watch:听Thomas Rew. The England Men U19s captain earned himself an 拢80,000 Hundred contract with Southern Brave after making three Blast appearances as a 17-year-old last summer. There is a school of thought that, while James Rew is a natural red-ball cricketer keen to improve his white-ball skills, the opposite applies to younger brother Thomas. He has been busy completing his A Levels, but should be free from studies to add his aggressive batting qualities to the middle order, while also offering a wicketkeeping option.
Final thought:听News that Riley Meredith had been called into Australia鈥檚 squad for the ODI series against Pakistan and Bangladesh was a severe, if not unexpected, blow to Somerset as it means he will miss the first six Blast group matches. While there are the options of registering Migael Pretorius as an overseas player or making a last-minute signing, it will be hard to replace the genuine pace of Meredith, who claimed 28 wickets in last season鈥檚 competition.
Warwickshire Bears
Previewed by Brian Halford, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain:听Ed Barnard
Overseas players:听Usman Tariq (Pakistan, all), Beau Webster (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances:听Four (2002, 2014, 2015, 2017)
Titles:听One (2014)
2025 finish:听Quarter-finals
2025听leading run-scorer:听Alex Davies (464)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Hasan Ali (25)
Key winter moves:听Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq is the big addition to a bowling attack which has lost its spin spearhead of recent years, Danny Briggs. Beau Webster鈥檚 all-round excellence and big-match temperament will be a big asset.听
The big question:听The same question that has been on the minds of the Bears鈥� supporters for five years? Can they fix that quarter-final jinx? Much work is required to even get to that stage, of course, but if they do, a sequence of five successive quarter-final exits must be broken.
Wildcard watch:听Ethan Bamber 鈥� T20 games are decided by cricketers who make things happen and Bamber is very much in that category. A wicket-taker with the ball and capable of blistering cameos with the bat.
Final thought:听Frustration is growing around Edgbaston at Warwickshire鈥檚 succession of Blast near-misses 鈥� five quarter-final defeats on the bounce. The stadium is a hugely popular host venue for Finals Day鈥� for the hosts to again attend their own party is long overdue.听
Worcestershire Rapids
Previewed by Brian Halford, 黑料专区 Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Brett D鈥橭liveira
Overseas players:听Sikandar Raza (Pakistan, all). Usama Mir (Pakistan, all)听
Finals Day appearances:听Two (2018, 2019)
Titles:听One (2018)
2025 finish:听5th in North Group
2025听leading run-scorer:听Ethan Brookes (380)
2025听leading wicket-taker:听Ben Dwarshuis (18)
Key winter moves:听With last season鈥檚 leading wicket-taker, Aussie seamer Ben Dwarshuis, unavailable this summer, the Pears have invested heavily in spin with the signings of Pakistan pair Sikandar Raza and Usama Mir.
The big question:听Can the Rapids transfer their inspiring 50-over form of 2025 into the shorter format? They have players capable of turning matches but a consistent lack of consistency has meant they have progressed beyond the group stage in only one of the last six seasons.
Wildcard watch:听Dan Lategan 鈥� the 19-year-old batter arrived at New Road too late for the Blast last season but made an eye-catching start in both red-ball and 50-over formats. After two months tasting the different pressures of red-ball cricket, the fluent strokemaker could be ready to free up and fly in the Blast. 听听
Final thought: The Rapids鈥� Blast history began back on 13 June 2003 with an absolute thriller 鈥� a one-wicket win over Northamptonshire achieved with one ball to spare thanks to Stephen Moore鈥檚 audacious unbeaten 39 from 27 balls. It is time for the Rapids, having shown what they can do in bursts in recent seasons, to combine efficiency with the thrilling cameos and string some wins together to reach their third Finals Day.听