The County Cricket Podcast · thecountycricketpodcast

2025 County Championship Division One Preview Show

·1 hr 41 min·5 clips

The gang reunites to preview the 2025 County Championship, feeling like kids at Christmas.

This episode features host Aaron (The Cricket Connoisseur) alongside co-hosts Keira McCarthy, Matt Wiley, and Joe Nuttall for a comprehensive preview of the 2025 County Championship Division One season. The panel, comprised of dedicated county cricket journalists and analysts, examines the prospects for all ten competing teams. They begin by sharing their collective excitement for the return of red-ball cricket and the landmark professionalization of the women's county game. The analysis starts with Durham, highlighting their significant signings of batter Emilio Gay and all-rounder Will Rhodes to bolster a batting lineup already featuring David Bedingham and Ollie Robinson. Essex's stability is questioned due to a lack of major signings and reliance on key players like Dean Elgar and Simon Harmer, with concerns raised over squad depth. Hampshire's offseason is defined by James Vince stepping down as captain and the signing of Mark Stoneman, while also losing key bowler Mohammad Abbas. Nottinghamshire's major moves include signing bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Fergus O'Neill to strengthen their attack, though they lost stalwart Dane Patterson. The hosts identify David Bedingham as Durham's talisman after his 1,313 runs at 78.29 last season. They note Essex's potent bowling quartet of Sam Cook, Jamie Porter, Simon Harmer, and Shane Snater as their clear strength. A surprising insight is that Durham secured the fewest bowling bonus points in Division One last season despite their strong attack. The panel debates whether Hampshire's raw but exciting pace attack, featuring Sonny Baker, can compensate for the loss of Abbas. Fergus O'Neill is highlighted as a future Australian Test prospect with 112 first-class wickets at an average of 20.42. One memorable moment is Matt Wiley's humorous prediction that his criticism of Mark Stoneman's signing will inevitably lead to a 1,200-run season for the batter. The hosts express intrigue at Nottinghamshire's collection of genuine quick bowlers like Dillon Pennington and Olly Stone. The discussion on Essex questions whether the return of coach Chris Silverwood can provide the marginal gains needed to challenge for the title. A key theme is how several teams, including Hampshire and Nottinghamshire, are managing the departure of iconic players and captains. The tone is highly conversational and enthusiastic, reflecting the hosts' deep passion and camaraderie as they debate team strengths and weaknesses. The style is analytical but accessible, blending statistical insights with informed opinion on squad dynamics and key transfers. This episode is perfect for dedicated county cricket fans seeking detailed, team-by-team analysis and preseason speculation from knowledgeable voices. Listeners with no interest in the domestic English first-class structure or those seeking match highlights and player interviews should likely skip it.

As heard by us

A grounded Division One preview that gives Nottinghamshire the clearest focus while keeping the wider county picture in view.

The 2025 County Championship Division One preview brings Aaron, Keira McCarthy, Matt Wiley and Joe Nuttall into the same room to work through all 10 sides before the season gets going, with Nottinghamshire drawing the sharpest focus.

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Why you'd press play

You want a proper County Championship map before the first ball is bowled.

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