Metro Bank One-Day Cup women's competition - county-by-county preview

The Metro Bank One-Day Cup women's competition begins on Saturday 11 April. The ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay has provided the county-by-county previews for Tier 1 of the competition.

DURHAM

Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Hollie Armitage

Head coach: Dani Hazell

2025 finish: 6th

2025 highest run-scorer: Hollie Armitage (624)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Phoebe Turner (22)

Winter moves: Australian wicketkeeper-opener Tahlia Wilson has signed overseas terms for the first half of this competition. She is the only arrival ahead of 2026, with no departures. Wilson, 26, was part of the New South Wales side which reached last month’s WNCL final. She has also made her international debut inside the last fortnight, an ODI appearance in the West Indies. Emerging batter Harriet Robson has signed her maiden rookie professional contract.

The big question: Durham showed encouraging signs last summer, winning five of their 14 games, with one of those victories at home to eventual champions Lancashire in late July. They had a chance of semi-final qualification going into the final round of group games, only to lose to Surrey at the Banks Homes Riverside. With a year’s experience under their belts, can they kick on and mount a bigger challenge for the semi-finals?

Player to watch: All-rounder Phoebe Turner was the second leading wicket-taker in last season’s One Day Cup. Her 22 wickets actually made her the most prolific seamer, with only Warwickshire off-spinner Georgia Davis (23) bettering her haul. Turner, 22, has just signed a contract extension through until the end of 2027 and has England A experience under her belt. She was also part of England’s Performance Programme during the winter.

Final thought: Durham start at home to defending champions Lancashire on April 11, and there’s more northern rivalry this summer with Yorkshire having been elevated to Tier 1. A number of Durham’s squad were based at Headingley within the Northern Diamonds set-up in the old regional era, and some came through the White Rose system – captain Hollie Armitage, for one. They meet for the first time at Scarborough on April 29.

ESSEX

Previewed by Ben Kosky, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Grace Scrivens

Head coach: Stephen Parry

2025 finish: 8th

2025 highest run-scorer: Grace Scrivens (429)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Eva Gray (15)

Winter moves: Former Lancashire and England spinner Stephen Parry has taken over as head coach following Andy Tennant’s exit, with Nick Browne, who recently brought down the curtain on his 13-year stint as a top-order batter for Essex’s men, filling the role of batting coach. On the field, batter Liberty Heap completed her permanent move from Lancashire, while former Essex captain Kelly Castle was released along with Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones.

The big question: In a nutshell, can Browne’s input and experience coax more consistency with the bat from an Essex side who topped 250 just once in last year’s tournament? Grace Scrivens hit back-to-back hundreds at the top of the order, but Jodi Grewcock was the only other batter to pass 50 more than once and Essex must at least ensure they bat out their full allocation of overs more frequently.

Player to watch: The move to Chelmsford may turn out to be just what Liberty Heap needed to reignite her career. Having shown potential with the bat as an England Under-19 player a few years ago, the 22-year-old had stalled at Lancashire, but she made a promising start after joining Essex on loan at the back end of last season, hitting 33 from 37 balls against The Blaze.

Final thought: After finishing bottom of the table in their inaugural season, the only way is up for Essex. However, one of their two group successes was achieved against eventual champions Lancashire, suggesting there’s plenty of potential to do better under a revamped coaching set-up. Essex may also have to find ways of coping without the influential Scrivens if, and more likely when, she graduates to the England side.

HAMPSHIRE

Previewed by Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Georgia Adams

Head coach: Paul Prichard

2025 finish: Runners-up

2025 highest run-scorer: Maia Bouchier (539)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Freya Davies (19)

Winter moves: The retirement of Freya Davies and the departure to Warwickshire of Mary Taylor has meant a major depletion in the fast-bowling cache. Hannah Hardwick and Francesca Sweet both arrive after successful trials and are capable of bowling pace. The ever-reliable Charli Knott has been replaced as overseas by leg-spinning all-rounder Amanda-Jade Wellington – who has previously taken plenty of wickets at Utilita Bowl for Southern Vipers and Southern Brave.

The big question: Will the domestic players step up when the England stars are away? With Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith and Freya Kemp, Hampshire look a seriously impressive side. Without them things could be tricky. Ella McCaughan was exceptional before injury curtailed her 2025. She, Abi Norgrove, Georgia Adams, Rhianna Southby and Naomi Dattani have runs in them – which they will need to ease the pressure on an unproven bowling attack.

Player to watch: Hampshire need a young bowler to step up. After a breakout 2025, Daisy Gibb is tracking in the right direction to be that player. The 20-year-old mainly gained admirers in the Vitality Blast but converting her skiddy swing into 50-over consistency feels a natural next step, and she could be a danger to top-order batters up and down the country.

Final thought: Hampshire followed in the footsteps of their Southern Vipers forebearers in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup last season. Throughout that time, they have always found a way to regenerate and continue their dominant 50-over legacy. After losing key Vipers players, they topped the group stage but lost in the final. This year will need another rebirth, however, a top-four finish will still be the target.

LANCASHIRE

Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Ellie Threlkeld

Head coach: Chris Read

2025 finish: Champions

2025 highest run-scorer: Emma Lamb (794)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Grace Potts (16)

Winter moves: September’s final hero Gaby Lewis returns as overseas, Ireland’s captain having hit a stunning unbeaten 141 in chasing 289 at Hampshire to complete the County T20 and One Day Cup double. Fellow opener Tilly Kesteven, star of May’s County Cup final against Surrey – has signed her maiden pro contract. Experienced seamer Phoebe Graham has retired into a pathway coaching role, joining new senior bowling coaches Mattie McKiernan and Scott Boswell.

The big question: Can Lancashire go one step further and complete the treble? It will be a huge ask, of course, despite the immense quality they have. But the Red Rose were frustrated at missing out on a Finals Day place in the Vitality Blast last year and want to rectify that in 2026. Largely speaking, though, the hunters are now the hunted. It’s a challenge they are excited to tackle.

Player to watch: The obvious one would be Emma Lamb. Her form with the bat was sensational, sailing beyond 1,000 runs in all competitions. However, we know all about the England star. Instead, let’s look at dynamic Scotland batter Ailsa Lister. An emerging middle order prospect, the 21-year-old hit the winning runs in the final at Hampshire and has a huge summer ahead, including June’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

Final thought: Aside from the trophy hunt, there are a couple of really exciting things on the horizon for Lancashire. Firstly, Yorkshire’s elevation to Tier 1 introduces the Roses rivalry to the professional era of women’s domestic cricket in England. Also, Emirates Old Trafford will host the Vitality T20 County Cup Finals Day on Saturday 29 August. The defending champions would love to be there.

SOMERSET

Previewed by Andy Stockhausen, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Sophie Luff

Head coach: Erin Osborne

2025 Finish: 5th

2025 Highest run-scorer: Sophie Luff (362)

2025 Highest wicket-taker: Amanda-Jade Wellington (19)

Winter moves: Australia A international Anika Learoyd will fill the overseas vacancy created by Amanda-Jade Wellington's switch to Hampshire, while England Under-19 seamer Bea Willis and batter Ruby Davis have signed their first professional deals. Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Niamh Holland, Chloe Skelton, Liv Barnes and Jess Hazel have all penned contract extensions. Opener Amelie Munday and seamer Laura Jackson have been released, while batter Fran Wilson has left to join Gloucestershire's coaching staff.

The big question: Can new head coach Erin Osborne mastermind a transition from wannabe status to genuine contenders in her first season? Somerset will fancy their chances of beating anyone when England stars Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson are available, but it remains to be seen if promising youngsters can step up and help fill the gaps created by the departure of experienced campaigners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Fran Wilson.

Player to watch: Overseas signing Anika Learoyd is a fast-rising star Down Under and boasts exciting potential. The 23-year-old broke into Australia's A team last year following a series of stand-out performances for Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, scoring 362 runs in 13 matches across all formats for her country. Her forthright style with the bat will bolster the top order, while her leg spin will offer variety.

Final thought: The return to fitness of talented opener Emma Corney and England all-rounder Dani Gibson following long-term injury should effect improvement with both bat and ball and serve to render Somerset more competitive. Providing they can find the consistency needed to build on last season's progress and overcome an apparent lack of depth, there is no reason why they cannot achieve a top-four finish.

SURREY

Previewed by Jon Batham, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Kira Chathli

Head coach: Johann Myburgh

2025 finish: 4th

2025 highest run-scorer: Alice Davidson-Richards (595)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Dani Gregory (19)

Winter moves: Australian all-rounder, Maitlan Brown joins the Three Feathers and is available for the first block of Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The right-arm fast bowler will add both depth and experience to Surrey’s bowling attack. Two other additions to the squad are Rachel King and Emily Burke. Wicketkeeper-batter King signed a rookie contract in October after spending much of last year in Surrey’s Vitality Blast squads while Burke is promoted from the academy. Big-hitting seamer Emma Jones has permanently headed north to The Blaze while another quick, Alexa Stonehouse, has gone on a season-long loan to Warwickshire.

The big question: Surrey were all-but unstoppable in the Vitality Blast last season but must uncover the secret of how to transfer that dominance to the longer white-ball format. There were several instances in 2025 of the bowling attack coming up short defending scores of around 300, most notably in the semi-final against Hampshire where their total of 287 was overhauled with almost three overs to spare.

Player to watch: Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Given the teenager was sold at the recent Hundred auction for £105,000, it seems spurious to flag her as one to watch. However, much of her success so far has come in T20 whereas in the 2025 One Day Cup she took only two wickets. Only 18, the slow left-armer is still learning her craft and if she makes a leap forward in this format, Surrey may do too.

Final thought: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Danni Wyatt-Hodge are centrally contracted to England, and Stonehouse has been loaned out, so there are question marks over availability in a World Cup year. Much may rest on the shoulders of last season’s leading run-scorer Alice Davidson-Richards and spinners Corteen-Coleman and Dani Gregory if Chathli is to enjoy success in her first season as skipper.

THE BLAZE

Previewed by Jon Culley, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Kirstie Gordon
Head coach: Craig Cumming
2025 finish: 2nd
2025 highest run-scorer: Kathryn Bryce (632)
2025 highest wicket-taker: Kathryn Bryce and Grace Ballinger (18)

Winter moves: Ireland international all-rounder Orla Prendergast, back for a third spell, will play in April and May and at the backend, with Australian all-rounder Charli Knott available for the three Metro Bank One-Day Cup Women fixtures that coincide with the T20 World Cup. England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn has moved to Yorkshire, with all-rounder Emma Jones joining from Surrey.

The big question: Given the wealth of talent in their squad, The Blaze underachieved in 2025, reaching three semi-finals but losing them all. With the benefit of a full pre-season under Kiwi coach Craig Cumming, they are confident of putting that right this year and, with the World Cup likely to deplete their ranks heavily in mid-summer, the One Day Cup might be their best chance of success. Can they hit the ground running?

Player to watch: Cassidy McCarthy’s T20 form has earned her a £65,000 deal with Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred this summer but she also impressed in the One Day Cup last season with 11 wickets in eight appearances. The 23-year-old right-arm seamer, selected for the England Women Performance Programme over the winter, could make an even bigger impact in this year’s competition.

Final thought: Called the Blaze since 2023, having previously evolved from Loughborough Lightning to Lightning, the Trent Bridge-based team will undergo another rebrand in 2027, coming into line with the rest of the professional women’s teams by adopting a county identity. If they can conjure some success in their final season, going out in a Blaze of glory will be a headline that is hard to resist.

WARWICKSHIRE

Previewed by Brian Halford, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Georgia Davis

Head coach: Ali Maiden

2025 finish: 7th

2025 highest run-scorer: Abbey Freeborn (403)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Georgia Davis (23)

Winter moves: The Bears have signed all-rounders Mary Taylor from Hampshire, and Alex Stonehouse on loan from Surrey, while spinner Phoebe Brett has signed her first rookie contract. Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne, signed for the T20 tournament, will play three 50-over games before the Vitality Blast.

The big question: Can Warwickshire translate their impressive 20-over cricket from last season into the longer format? Having signed players who will strengthen the team in all departments and, crucially, bring experience to what is still a largely young squad, the Bears have the potential to challenge in the longer game in 2026.

Player to watch: Phoebe Brett – the 17-year-old left-armer is the latest addition to a spin attack of enviable depth and variety and impressed when her opportunities came along last season. Her control and wicket-taking skills have drawn comparison with Sophie Ecclestone.

Final thought: Last season, Warwickshire found themselves playing catch-up too often as the powerplays at the start of each innings went against them. Their skills shone in the T20. Taking wickets up front with the ball and not losing wickets in the powerplay has been a big focus in the pre-season preparation.

YORKSHIRE

Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Captain: Lauren Winfield-Hill

Head coach: Rich Pyrah

2025 finish: Champions (Tier 2)

2025 highest run-scorer: Ami Campbell (452)

2025 highest wicket-taker: Olivia Thomas (18)

Winter moves: International spin-bowling all-rounders Sarah Glenn (England) and Jess Jonassen (Australia) have signed two-year deals, the latter as an all-format overseas and the former coming from The Blaze. Scotland seamer Hannah Rainey joined on loan from Lancashire late last summer ahead of a permanent move. Another spin-bowling all-rounder Olivia Thomas has been elevated from an Academy to professional contract. Kevin Sharp returns to Yorkshire as an assistant coach.

The big question: How will Yorkshire fare in their first season in Tier 1? They enjoyed a successful Tier 2 campaign last year, winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, reaching the final of the Vitality Blast and the quarter-finals of the T20 County Cup. But this summer, it will be a different ball game. Head coach Rich Pyrah and Yorkshire’s management have confidence in the players’ ability but have urged patience.

Player to watch: Vice captain Maddie Ward, 21 years old, can do it all. She can keep wicket, bats in dynamic and inventive fashion, bowls spin when required and is a gun in the field. She even skippered Yorkshire last season when Lauren Winfield-Hill wasn’t available. When she first did it in June, aged 20 years and 133 days, Worksop-born Ward became the county’s second youngest ever captain – female or male.

Final thought: Yorkshire are very much looking at this as a long-term project. Results are not the be-all and end-all this season, across all formats. Development is more important to them. But if they can take a couple of scalps along the way, it would be a real shot in the arm for the White Rose county. And a Roses win against champions Lancashire would be ideal.

ends