Hampshire v Essex
Rothesay County Championship
Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Friday 03 – Monday 06 April
The long wait is soon to be over as yet another season of domestic English cricket begins on Friday with the start of the Rothesay County Championship.
Essex travel south to the Utilita Bowl to face off against Hampshire in the first round of Division One action, as Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood’s group look to lay down an early marker in what promises to be another fiercely competitive campaign.
After a winter of preparation and fine-tuning, anticipation is high within the Essex camp. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, the side will be eager to hit the ground running and build momentum from the outset.
With both teams harbouring ambitions of a strong start in Division One, all eyes will be on the south coast as the 2026 County Championship season gets underway.
Squad
Chris Silverwood has named a 13-player squad for the return of the Rothesay County Championship, which includes new signings Wiaan Mulder and Zaman Akhter.
Insight: Chris Silverwood
The Opposition
Captain: Ben Brown
Head Coach: Russell Domingo
2025 finish: 8th
2025 leading run-scorer: Ben Brown (758)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Kyle Abbott (56)
Championship titles: 2 (most recent in 1973)
Key winter moves: The biggest shake-up at Utilita Bowl has come off the field with Adi Birrell leaving after seven years, to be replaced as head coach by his protégé, Russell Domingo. Bowling coach Shane Burger has arrived from Somerset to take over from Graeme Welch. On the pitch, Keith Barker is the only major departure, with highly experienced batter Australian Jake Lehmann arriving as a domestic player.
What we’re looking forward to seeing: Players stepping up. The likes of Fletcha Middleton, Toby Albert, Ali Orr, and Scott Currie have been given opportunities and now they need to come of age and support the experienced core of Ben Brown, Liam Dawson, Kyle Abbott and Nick Gubbins. The recruitment of Jake Lehmann should ease some of the batting pressure, while Ben Mayes’ emergence is one to keep a close eye on – especially after a run-filled winter at the Under 19 World Cup.
Aiming to catch selectors’ eyes: Sonny Baker. His international debuts last summer might have been ones to forget but his first injury-free Rothesay County Championship season should be deemed a success. His pace speaks for itself, but he is picking up skills and smarts all the time. He is a knowledge sponge, and having Kyle Abbott nearby will only fast-track his development.
Final thoughts: From early-season overseas chaos to points deductions, and double white ball final heartache to almost relegation – but for Durham’s catastrophic final day Hampshire would be in Division Two. 2025 was a year to forget. Simply, 2026 has to be better. The talent is in the squad, but they lack the experience and reliability to be considered title challengers. Improving home form, where they won once last year on largely lifeless pitches, must be a priority.
Hampshire squad: Ben Brown (c), Kyle Abbott, Toby Albert, Sonny Baker, Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, Nick Gubbins, Eddie Jack, Jake Lehmann, Ben Mayes, Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, Codi Yusuf.
Last Time We Met
Essex battled to a hard-fought draw against Hampshire at Chelmsford, demonstrating resilience in a challenging match.
Day One saw 20-year-old Charlie Allison continue his impressive form with a patient 101, following his previous century against Surrey, while Matt Critchley added 71. Despite early strikes from Hampshire’s seamers, Essex’s lower-order partnerships, notably with Simon Harmer, helped the team reach 292-8 by stumps, establishing a solid foundation.
Hampshire responded strongly across Days Two and Three, posting 453, with Liam Dawson scoring 139 and contributing to a key partnership with Tilak Varma. Essex began their second innings under pressure, losing both openers quickly to Dawson and closing Day Three at 108-3. Milestones provided morale boosts, with Harmer claiming his 500th first-class wicket and debutant Mackenzie Jones taking his first.
On the final day, Essex’s senior players displayed determination and patience. Captain Tom Westley and wicketkeeper Michael Pepper forged a remarkable 215-run sixth-wicket stand, occupying nearly three-and-a-half hours to deny Hampshire a result. Westley compiled a disciplined 130 not out, while Pepper’s aggressive 140 guided Essex past the target needed to make Hampshire bat again. Their contrasting styles, Westley’s measured defence and Pepper’s attacking strokeplay, highlighted Essex’s depth, composure, and ability to withstand pressure in a tense finish.
Division One Previews
Click here for Part One.
Click here for Part Two.
How To Watch
If you are unable to attend any of the matchdays, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket YouTube livestream. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the game via our social media channels as we provide live updates.
Follow our Social Channels:
X: /@EssexCricket
Facebook: /Essex County Cricket Club
Instagram: /@EssexCricket
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media.
Tickets
Tickets for the match are available to purchase on Hampshire’s website by clicking here.
