Here are all the Cricket Match Predictions, Previews & Expert Analysis for the County Championship Division One & Division Two 2025 – All matches to be played on September 8th.
Rothesay County Championship 2025 – Division 1 and 2 – Teams, Player Squads, Fixtures Schedule, Venues – All you need to know
Points Table
LIVE SCORES – Essex vs Durham, County Championship Division One
Match Prediction – Essex v Durham
Essex
Form
Essex have rediscovered their rhythm in the County Championship, bouncing back with two strong results before the white-ball break. They thrashed Sussex by an innings and 39 runs before grinding out a high-scoring draw against fourth-placed Warwickshire at Chelmsford. That consistency has lifted confidence, and with three big centuries in that draw, Essex look well placed to finish the campaign strongly.
Players to Watch
Captain Tom Westley was in commanding touch against Warwickshire, making 148 from 278 deliveries, while Michael Pepper added spark with a blistering 107 from just 117 balls. Their form, alongside another century-maker in that match, highlights a batting unit beginning to click at just the right time. If Essex’s top order can carry that momentum, they will be tough to stop at Chelmsford.
Durham
Form
Durham’s red-ball struggles have continued into the second half of the season, with no wins and three defeats in their last five Championship fixtures. Their spirited T20 campaign may have offered a boost in confidence, but recent first-class performances leave them firmly stuck in the relegation zone. Away to an in-form Essex side, the challenge looks particularly daunting.
Players to Watch
Colin Ackermann offered resistance with a fifty in their last Championship match, while seamer Ben Raine stood out against Surrey, taking five wickets in the first innings. Durham will lean heavily on both if they are to put pressure on Essex, with Ackermann anchoring the batting and Raine tasked with making early breakthroughs.
Outlook
With good weather predicted for three of the four days at Chelmsford, a result looks likely. Essex’s batting depth and renewed confidence make them strong favourites, while Durham will need standout individual performances to halt their slide. Anything less, and the hosts could tighten their grip on a top-half finish while keeping their visitors rooted in the relegation zone.
Match prediction:
Essex to win the match.
Batting Stats FIRSTCLASS
LIVE SCORES – Somerset vs Yorkshire, County Championship Division One
Match Prediction – Somerset v Yorkshire
Somerset
Form
Somerset are enjoying an excellent campaign, winning four and losing just two of their 11 matches so far. Their last five Championship outings have brought two wins and three draws, all against strong opposition, keeping them firmly in the hunt to upset Surrey in the title race. Confidence will be high at Taunton, where they have made their home a tough place to visit.
Players to Watch
The county’s younger talents have been in fine touch, particularly in the One-Day Cup where Archie Vaughan and the Rew brothers piled on runs during the group stage. If they can carry that form into red-ball cricket, Somerset’s batting will only grow stronger. Add to that the proven class of spinner Jack Leach on a surface expected to favour turn, and Somerset look well balanced as they push for a late-season charge.
Yorkshire
Form
Yorkshire’s Championship season began sluggishly, but recent results suggest momentum is shifting. The White Rose produced a battling draw against table-toppers Surrey before hammering Sussex by an innings and 128 runs. That revival has lifted them to seventh in the table and given them belief that they can compete with the division’s top sides.
Players to Watch
The absence of Imam-ul-Haq, who was outstanding in the One-Day Cup, leaves a sizeable hole at the top of the order. However, Adam Lyth has been prolific this summer, ranking as the division’s third-highest run-scorer with an average of over 50, and will be key once again. Yorkshire also welcome back Dom Bess, whose spin could be crucial on a surface expected to reward the slower bowlers.
Outlook
With Somerset’s explosive batting unit and the experience of Jack Leach leading their spin attack, the hosts will start as favourites. Yorkshire’s improving form and the presence of proven performers such as Lyth and Bess means they cannot be underestimated, but at Taunton, Somerset’s title ambitions should drive an intense and potentially fiery contest.
Match prediction:
Somerset to win the match
Wicket Takers FIRSTCLASS
LIVE SCORES – Surrey vs Warwickshire County Championship Division One
Match Prediction – Surrey v Warwickshire
Surrey
Form
Surrey remain unbeaten at the top of Division One and look firmly on course for another Championship title. Their campaign has been built on heavy scoring with the bat, though at times they have found it harder to take 20 wickets. A recent victory over Durham reaffirmed their strength, even if their white-ball form has dipped with key players diverted to The Hundred. Back in red-ball mode, the champions-elect will expect to reassert their dominance at the Oval.
Players to Watch
Dom Sibley has been a model of consistency, sitting second in the divisional run charts with three hundreds and six fifties across 11 appearances. With the ball, Daniel Worrall has been the standout, claiming 26 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 25.80. Both will be central to Surrey’s push to maintain their unbeaten record.
Warwickshire
Form
Warwickshire have put together a solid season of their own, registering three wins and seven draws in their 11 matches. Their resilience has been clear – four draws and one win in their last five outings underlining how difficult they are to beat. However, turning those stubborn performances into victories has been more elusive, and against a side of Surrey’s calibre, they may find themselves on the back foot.
Players to Watch
Ed Barnard has been their linchpin with the bat, averaging nearly 60 and posting a top score of 177* this summer. With the ball, Ethan Bamber leads the attack, his 34 wickets in 11 matches highlighting his importance. Both will need to fire if Warwickshire are to match Surrey in all departments.
Outlook
The forecast looks good for four full days of cricket at the Oval, but both sides have shown a tendency to grind out draws, with batting depth outweighing bowling penetration. Surrey, buoyed by their unbeaten streak and title ambitions, will start as favourites, but Warwickshire’s stubborn resilience could see this contest drift towards another stalemate.
Match prediction:
The match to end in a draw.
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LIVE SCORES – Sussex vs Hampshire, County Championship Division One
Match Prediction – Sussex v Hampshire
Sussex
Form
Sussex endured a tough run before the break, slipping to two heavy defeats by an innings against Yorkshire and Essex. For the newly promoted side, those results were a stark reminder of the gap in quality at Division One level. The white-ball break may have offered a timely chance to regroup, and they will now be desperate to finish strongly and secure their top-tier status.
Players to Watch
James Coles has been the standout performer with the bat, leading the scoring charts for Sussex and impressing across formats. His form has made him an indispensable part of the squad. With the ball, the absence of Ollie Robinson has been felt, but with his return from injury expected around the end of August, Sussex will hope he can slot straight back in and bolster their attack. If fit, Robinson is likely to be among their top wicket-takers in the run-in.
Hampshire
Form
Hampshire have found themselves treading water in mid-table after a run of one defeat and four consecutive draws. Their inability to turn solid positions into wins has halted their progress, but success in the white-ball competitions may help refresh the squad as they return to red-ball action. With the drop zone still in view, they will be keen to rediscover winning ways.
Players to Watch
Runs have been harder to come by for Hampshire this season, with Ben Brown their most consistent batter. He has averaged 47.83 across 11 matches, amassing 574 runs, but the team will need more contributions across the order to secure victories. With the ball, they boast serious firepower in Kyle Abbott, the division’s second-highest wicket-taker. The seamer has taken 42 wickets in 19 innings at an outstanding average of 21.52, and alongside Liam Dawson, he represents a major threat to Sussex’s fragile batting.
Outlook
This contest looks finely poised, but Sussex’s recent batting collapses make them vulnerable against Hampshire’s potent bowling attack. With Abbott and Dawson spearheading the effort, the visitors appear better placed to claim the points. Sussex will fight hard at home, but Hampshire have the quality to edge it.
Match prediction:
Hampshire to win the match
LIVE SCORES – Worcestershire vs Nottinghamshire, County Championship Division One
Match Prediction – Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire
Worcestershire
Form
Worcestershire sit rock bottom of Division One and are staring at relegation after a disappointing campaign. With just one win and six defeats from their 11 matches, their recent run of two losses and three draws has done little to ease the pressure. Their final clash against fellow strugglers Sussex could ultimately decide their fate, but they will be desperate to find some momentum before then.
Players to Watch
Despite the team’s struggles, Jake Libby has been a shining light with the bat. He has scored four centuries in 11 matches, including a monumental 228*, and remains vital to Worcestershire’s hopes of survival. With the ball, Tom Taylor has been exceptional, leading the division’s wicket charts with 43 scalps at an average just over 24. His ability to strike regularly gives Worcestershire a genuine match-winner in their attack.
Nottinghamshire
Form
Nottinghamshire have been one of the surprise packages this season, emerging as the main challengers to leaders Surrey. They have lost just once in the Championship so far, building a reputation as a solid and consistent outfit. With draws keeping them in the hunt, they will be determined to push Surrey all the way in the title race.
Players to Watch
Haseeb Hameed has been the standout batter in the entire division, sitting at the top of the run charts with an astonishing average of 79.14. His consistency has provided Nottinghamshire with a reliable platform in almost every match. With the ball, Mohammad Abbas has been lethal at times, boasting best figures of 6/45 and maintaining an impressive average of around 23 per wicket. His potency adds real balance to Nottinghamshire’s challenge.
Outlook
Worcestershire’s survival hopes are hanging by a thread, and while they possess individual talents capable of turning games, their collective performances have been well short of the mark. Nottinghamshire, by contrast, have been a force throughout the campaign and look well placed to strengthen their title push.
Match prediction:
Nottinghamshire to win the match
Points Table
LIVE SCORES – Leicestershire vs Gloucestershire, County Championship Division Two
Match Prediction – Leicestershire v Gloucestershire
Leicestershire
Form
Leicestershire are setting the pace at the top of Division Two and look well on course for promotion back to the top flight. With six wins from their 11 matches and only four draws all season, the Foxes have been consistent and result-driven. Recent form has been mixed – two wins, two draws and a loss in their last five – but a win and a draw in their most recent fixtures suggest they are back on track for a strong finish to the red-ball campaign.
Players to Watch
Rehan Ahmed has been a standout across formats this summer, and his Championship form has been crucial to Leicestershire’s success. Averaging over 50 with the bat and scoring five hundreds in 10 matches, the young all-rounder has been a core part of their dominance. With the ball, Ian Holland has led the way, his accuracy and consistency reflected in an outstanding average of just 17.32 runs per wicket in Division Two. Together, they embody the balance driving Leicestershire’s promotion charge.
Gloucestershire
Form
Gloucestershire have struggled to find momentum in red-ball cricket, with four draws and a loss from their last five fixtures. That run has left them stranded in mid-table, short of the consistency required to mount a challenge. However, with seven draws this season, they have proved stubborn opponents and are rarely brushed aside without a fight.
Players to Watch
James Bracey remains their most reliable source of runs, amassing 844 in 19 innings at an average of over 50. His ability to score heavily has been a lifeline for Gloucestershire throughout the summer. On the bowling front, Ajeet Singh Dale has shown flashes of real potency, taking 25 wickets in just eight matches. His standout performance – 7 for 110 in a single innings – highlights the destructive threat he carries when conditions suit.
Outlook
Gloucestershire’s resilience has made them tough to beat, but Leicestershire have the edge in both form and quality, with promotion firmly in their sights. If their star performers deliver again, the Foxes should have too much firepower and composure for their visitors.
Match prediction:
Leicestershire to win the match.
Batting Stats FIRSTCLASS
LIVE SCORES – Northamptonshire vs Glamorgan, County Championship Division Two
Match Prediction – Northamptonshire v Glamorgan
Northamptonshire
Form
Northamptonshire’s Championship campaign has stuttered badly, leaving them well adrift of the promotion battle. A heavy innings-and-107-run defeat to mid-table Middlesex underlined their struggles, and while they managed to hold Derbyshire to a draw before the white-ball break, their form has been unconvincing. With fixtures against both of the division’s top two still to come, their chances of influencing the title race look slim.
Players to Watch
Despite the team’s struggles, Saif Zaib has been outstanding with the bat. The left-hander is Division Two’s second-highest run-scorer, averaging 61.58 with five centuries and four fifties from 11 matches – a cornerstone of Northamptonshire’s batting order. With the ball, Liam Guthrie has been the main threat, claiming 29 wickets in nine matches. The left-arm quick will be eager to finish the season strongly, even if wins prove hard to come by.
Glamorgan
Form
Glamorgan are flying high in second place and pushing hard for promotion back to the top tier. Their form has been excellent, with two straight wins before the white-ball break and an unbeaten run in the County Championship stretching back to mid-April. With confidence high and momentum on their side, they will be keen to cement their position in the top two.
Players to Watch
Colin Ingram has been a towering presence with the bat, amassing 938 runs in just nine matches at an average above 50. His tally includes three centuries and six fifties, making him one of the most consistent run-scorers in the competition. On the bowling front, Timm van der Gugten has led the way with 28 wickets from 10 appearances, regularly making key breakthroughs to keep Glamorgan on the front foot.
Outlook
While Northamptonshire rely heavily on individual performers, Glamorgan’s consistency and promotion drive make them strong favourites here. Ingram and van der Gugten provide the backbone of a well-balanced side, and their form should carry them to another vital victory against struggling opposition.
Match prediction:
Glamorgan to win the match.
Wicket Takers FIRSTCLASS
LIVE SCORES – Middlesex vs Derbyshire, County Championship Division Two
Match Prediction – Middlesex v Derbyshire
Middlesex
Form
Middlesex have found a late spark in the County Championship, enjoying a three-match unbeaten run before the white-ball break. Back-to-back wins over leaders Leicestershire and struggling Northamptonshire were followed by a hard-fought draw with Gloucestershire. Those results have lifted them to fourth in the table and raised hopes of a late promotion push. A victory over third-placed Derbyshire would strengthen that case further.
Players to Watch
Max Holden has been their standout performer with the bat, scoring 898 runs across 11 matches at an average close to 50. He has been a consistent presence at the top of the order and could once again prove decisive. With the ball, Ryan Higgins has led the charge, claiming 35 wickets at 23.40 apiece in 11 matches. His ability to deliver key breakthroughs makes him a central figure for Middlesex.
Derbyshire
Form
Derbyshire’s form has slumped in recent weeks, putting their promotion hopes under real pressure. Consecutive defeats to Leicestershire and Lancashire dented their momentum before they steadied themselves with a draw against Northamptonshire. Sitting third in the table, they remain in contention, but must rediscover their winning touch quickly to stay in the hunt for Division One cricket next season.
Players to Watch
Australian batter Caleb Jewell has provided stability in the top order, amassing runs consistently to sit as Division Two’s fourth-highest scorer. While he has only one century to his name, his seven half-centuries underline his reliability. With the ball, Luis Reece has been the standout performer in the entire division. The left-arm all-rounder leads the wicket charts with 37 scalps at an outstanding average of under 20, making him Derbyshire’s most dangerous weapon.
Outlook
With the weather set fair and conditions at Lord’s usually offering assistance for both bat and ball, a result looks on the cards. Middlesex’s improved form and home advantage give them the edge, and if Holden and Higgins continue their fine campaigns, they could pull off another crucial win to strengthen their promotion bid.
Match prediction:
Middlesex to win the match
Most 6’s FIRSTCLASS
LIVE SCORES – Kent vs Lancashire, County Championship Division Two
Match Prediction – Kent v Lancashire
Kent
Form
Kent’s red-ball season has been one to forget, with just two wins from 11 matches and five defeats – more than any other side in Division Two. With fixtures still to come against both of the current top two, the run-in looks daunting for the Canterbury faithful, who have endured a difficult campaign.
Players to Watch
Ben Compton has been the shining light in an otherwise bleak summer. The left-hander leads the Division Two run-scoring charts, his form highlighted by a magnificent double century against leaders Leicestershire in July. His ability to bat long and score heavily will again be crucial. With the ball, Matt Parkinson has been Kent’s main threat. The leg-spinner has delivered some standout performances, including a superb 7 for 137 against Leicestershire, and will be relied upon to make inroads in the coming fixtures.
Lancashire
Form
Lancashire endured a sluggish start to the season but have shown signs of life in recent weeks, with both of their Championship wins arriving in their last three matches. A defeat to promotion-chasing Glamorgan halted that momentum, but overall their form points towards a team finding its stride as the campaign draws to a close.
Players to Watch
Australian opener Marcus Harris has been the linchpin of their batting, scoring three centuries and four fifties in just nine matches. His reliability at the top of the order will be key to Lancashire’s hopes of posting big totals. With the ball, George Balderson has been their standout performer, collecting 31 wickets in 11 matches. The right-arm seamer has a knack for regular breakthroughs, making him central to Lancashire’s bowling attack.
Outlook
With clear weather forecast, a result looks likely at Canterbury. Kent’s fragile record and tendency to collapse under pressure leave them vulnerable, while Lancashire’s improving form suggests they can capitalise. If Harris and Balderson continue to deliver, the Red Rose should have enough to pile further misery on Kent.
Match prediction:
Lancashire to win the match.
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*NB these predictions may be changed nearer the start of the match once the final starting teams have been announced and we will be running ‘In-Play’ features, so stay tuned.
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