Somerset Aim to Go One Better as Metro Bank One-Day Cup Returns

The Metro Bank One-Day Cup is back this week, with Somerset looking to avenge last year’s heartbreak and Glamorgan hoping to defend their title. With the competition serving as a crucial platform for young and fringe players during The Hundred, Group B promises fierce battles and fresh talent. Here's a look at the runners and riders.

Somerset: Redemption on Their Minds

2024 finish: Finalists
Captain: To be confirmed
Player to Watch: Andy Umeed
Young Gun: Thomas Rew

Somerset narrowly missed out on silverware last season, losing the final to Glamorgan in a rain-affected clash. Despite eight players unavailable due to The Hundred, the squad still boasts a strong blend of experience and emerging talent. Andy Umeed, who has flourished in this format, will once again be pivotal, while 17-year-old Thomas Rew—England U19’s fastest century-maker—could be the breakout star of the tournament.

Durham: Quiet Contenders with Pace Power

2024 finish: 5th (Group A)
Captain: Alex Lees
Player to Watch: Ollie Robinson
Young Gun: Haydon Mustard

Buoyed by a strong T20 campaign, Durham look well placed to make a deeper run. With key players not taken by Hundred franchises, they retain a balanced side. Former Kent man Ollie Robinson returns to 50-over action after a stellar 2022, while teenage keeper Haydon Mustard adds youthful spark. South African quick Codi Yusuf will lead their bowling attack after his recent Test heroics.

Kent: Strength in Stability

2024 finish: 7th (Group A)
Captains: Grant Stewart and Harry Finch
Player to Watch: Harry Finch
Young Gun: Ekansh Singh

Having won the One-Day Cup in 2022, Kent still have six players from that victorious side. The Hundred has spared most of their white-ball core, and the return of Ben Compton alongside rising star Ekansh Singh gives Kent both experience and promise. Finch’s transformation into a dependable top-order option will be key to their progress.

Lancashire: T20 Momentum, 50-over Challenge

2024 finish: 9th (Group A)
Captain: Marcus Harris
Player to Watch: Josh Bohannon
Young Gun: Charlie Barnard

Despite last season’s disappointing finish, Lancashire come in with T20 confidence after topping the Vitality Blast North Group. Josh Bohannon will anchor the batting, with Charlie Barnard leading a youthful spin attack. New signing Arav Shetty adds further depth as they seek a long-awaited List A title.

Middlesex: Fast Starters Needed

2024 finish: 6th (Group A)
Captain: Ben Geddes
Player to Watch: Ben Geddes
Young Gun: Naavya Sharma

Middlesex haven't reached the knockouts since 2019 and often start slow. But with a strong bowling unit featuring Irish international Josh Little and U19 standout Naavya Sharma, they have the tools to compete. Much will depend on the top order, led by new skipper Ben Geddes and the aggressive Joe Cracknell.

Northamptonshire: Punching Above Their Weight

2024 finish: 8th (Group A)
Captain: Lewis McManus
Player to Watch: Justin Broad
Young Gun: Nirvan Ramesh

While they’ve lost several players to The Hundred, Northants still boast a dangerous side. Justin Broad is in superb form with bat and ball, while 17-year-old spinner Nirvan Ramesh is tipped for a breakthrough. Overseas stars Yuzvendra Chahal and Tim Robinson strengthen their chances of causing upsets.

Sussex: Youth Development in Focus

2024 finish: 9th (Group B)
Captain: John Simpson
Player to Watch: Henry Crocombe
Young Gun: George Thomas

Sussex approach the tournament as a development platform, but their young squad is more seasoned than last year. Crocombe leads the seam attack after a strong T20 showing, while ex-Somerset opener George Thomas could shine with more opportunities. A return to Arundel and Grant Flower's guidance offer fresh optimism.

Warwickshire: Hungry for a Trophy

2024 finish: Semi-finalists
Captain: Ed Barnard
Player to Watch: Kai Smith
Young Gun: Hamza Shaikh

Warwickshire are determined to turn last season’s semi-final disappointment into glory. All-rounder and skipper Ed Barnard is central to their hopes, while the explosive Kai Smith and teenage prodigy Hamza Shaikh add firepower. With new coach Ian Westwood overseeing progress, the Bears are strong contenders.

Yorkshire: Eyeing a First List A Title in Two Decades

2024 finish: 6th (Group B)
Captain: Dom Bess
Player to Watch: George Hill
Young Gun: Will Bennison

Yorkshire's stars may be away on Hundred duty, but their core remains strong. George Hill continues to impress as an all-rounder, and with Imam-ul-Haq available for the full campaign, they possess a top-order asset few can match. Spin-bowling all-rounder Dom Bess takes over as captain as they aim to win their first limited-overs trophy since 2002.

Conclusion: Wide Open Race

With Somerset seeking redemption, Warwickshire eyeing a title push, and sides like Durham, Kent, and Yorkshire fielding strong squads despite Hundred absences, Group B of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup is finely poised. Whether it’s youth breaking through or experienced heads leading from the front, the next few weeks promise entertaining 50-over action across the counties.