Men’s County Cricket: Ins and Outs Ahead of the 2026 Season
Preparations for the 2026 men’s county cricket season are gathering pace, with clubs across the country confirming a wave of signings, departures and overseas recruits. Here’s a full round-up of the business completed so far.
Derbyshire
Derbyshire have strengthened with the arrival of Matt Montgomery from Nottinghamshire. They bid farewell to David Lloyd, who has retired, and Alex Thomson, who has been released. Australian batter Caleb Jewell is set to feature as their overseas player.
Durham
Durham have added Kasey Aldridge from Somerset and Archie Bailey from Gloucestershire. Departures include Mitchell Killeen to Essex and Paul Coughlin to Lancashire. No overseas signings have yet been confirmed.
Essex
Essex have moved to secure Mitchell Killeen from Durham and Zaman Akhter from Gloucestershire. Veteran opener Nick Browne has retired, while Adam Rossington and Jamal Richards have been released. Simon Harmer remains their overseas star.
Glamorgan
Glamorgan have brought in Sean Dickson from Somerset. The county loses Sam Northeast to Kent and releases Tom Bevan. South African Colin Ingram returns as their overseas option.
Gloucestershire
A busy off-season sees Gloucestershire add Craig Miles, Will Williams, and England international Dawid Malan. A long list of departures includes Archie Bailey, Ajeet Singh Dale, Zaman Akhter, Dom Goodman, Tom Price, and Josh Shaw. Overseas roles will be filled by Cameron Bancroft and D’Arcy Short (T20).
Hampshire
Hampshire have no new arrivals confirmed but say goodbye to Keith Barker (to Warwickshire), Benny Howell (to Nottinghamshire), and Joseph Eckland (released). Kyle Abbott continues as an overseas player.
Kent
Kent have strengthened their batting with Sam Northeast and bolstered seam options with Matt Milnes. Departures include Jack Leaning, Nathan Gilchrist, the retired George Garrett, and released players Marcus O’Riordan and Mohammed Rizvi. South African pacer Keith Dudgeon returns as overseas bowler.
Lancashire
Lancashire bring in all-rounder Paul Coughlin and seamer Ajeet Singh Dale. They part ways with Will Williams and release Josh Boyden. Marcus Harris stays on as an overseas player, with Chris Green covering T20 duties.
Leicestershire
A strong recruitment drive sees Leicestershire sign Stephen Eskinazi, Jonny Tattersall, Josh Davey, and Ben Green. Outgoing players include Louis Kimber, retirees Chris Wright and Harry Swindells, and the released Matt Salisbury and Roman Walker. Overseas roles go to Peter Handscomb and Keshav Maharaj (April–July).
Middlesex
Middlesex promote academy batter Caleb Falconer but lose senior batter Stephen Eskinazi to Leicestershire. No overseas player has yet been named.
Northamptonshire
Northants strengthen with Louis Kimber and Calvin Harrison, while releasing Freddie Heldreich. Their overseas roster features Matthew Breetzke, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Conway (April–May), and Yuzvendra Chahal (July–Sept).
Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire add all-rounder Benny Howell, but see Calvin Harrison, Matthew Montgomery, Sammy King, and Dane Schadendorf depart. Overseas duties will be shared by Kyle Verreynne and Fergus O’Neil (April–June).
Somerset
Somerset recruit seamer Josh Shaw and part with Kasey Aldridge, Sean Dickson, Josh Davey, Ben Green, and the released Andrew Umeed. Riley Meredith (T20) and Migael Pretorius fill their overseas slots.
Surrey
Surrey promote academy prospect Ralphie Albert and have no confirmed departures or overseas signings at this stage.
Sussex
Sussex add Danny Briggs, Jack Leaning, Dom Goodman, and Tom Price. A clear-out sees Ari Karvelas, Bertie Foreman, Archie Lenham, Zach Lion-Cachet, and Henry Rogers released. Indian seamer Jaydev Unadkat arrives for June–September.
Warwickshire
Warwickshire bring in Keith Barker, Nathan Gilchrist, and Jordan Thompson, but lose Danny Briggs, Craig Miles, and the retired Moeen Ali. Beau Webster is their overseas player for April–July.
Worcestershire
Worcestershire have made no signings but release Tom Hinley and Yadvinder Singh. Overseas roles go to Usama Mir (T20) and Ben Dwarshuis (T20).
Yorkshire
Yorkshire have yet to add to their squad but see Matt Milnes, Jordan Thompson, Jonny Tattersall, and Dawid Malan depart. Overseas players are still to be announced.