The stage is set for one of the biggest days in English domestic cricket. Lancashire, Somerset, Northampton shire and Hampshire go head-to-head on Saturday in the Vitality Blast Finals Day. Expect big hits, last-minute drama and a few unlikely heroes.
1. Dickson vs Livingstone
Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone once again proved why he’s one of the most dangerous players in the game. Against Kent, he took 2 for 21 with his spin and then smashed more sixes on his own than Kent managed as a team. Livingstone can win matches single-handedly, but he’ll need to repeat the feat twice on Finals Day if Lancashire are to lift the trophy.
Standing in his way first is Somerset, inspired by Sean Dickson’s astonishing knock against Warwickshire. Somerset were all but beaten until Dickson unleashed 71 runs off just 26 balls to snatch victory. If he can produce anything close to that again, Somerset will be hard to stop.
2. Ravi Bopara Turns Back the Clock
Northamptonshire booked their place thanks to a vintage performance from Ravi Bopara. At 40 years old, many had written him off, but he smashed 105 not out from just 46 balls in a rain-shortened game against Surrey. His strike rate of 228 left Surrey stunned and proved that class really is permanent.
Northants will now face Hampshire in the second semi-final. They’ll also be boosted by strong form from Chris Lynn, Hilton Cartwright and Toby Albert, who all fired at over 180 strike rate in their last outing. Add Benny Howell’s clever bowling into the mix, and Hampshire will have a real fight on their hands.
3. Worcester Pitch Adds Spice to Championship Race
The County Championship resumed this week with rain disrupting play across the country. But at New Road, Worcestershire’s tricky pitch gave Nottinghamshire and Surrey a chance to test themselves.
Former Worcestershire quicks Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington took 12 wickets between them, while Lyndon James contributed with both bat and ball to guide Nottinghamshire to a narrow win. Pennington, just 26, could be a surprise contender for England’s Ashes squad if injuries strike later this year.
4. Surrey’s Winning Edge in Doubt?
Surrey remain unbeaten this season, but eight draws in 12 matches has raised questions. Their latest stalemate against Warwickshire came after captain Rory Burns set a target of 390. Rain intervened and any chance of victory vanished.
With Nottinghamshire just one point behind, Monday’s clash at The Oval could decide the title race.
5. Durham’s Grit Denies Essex
Durham’s Ben Raine and Matthew Potts held firm with a crucial unbeaten stand of 77 to secure a draw against Essex at Chelmsford. Essex had dominated thanks to Dean Elgar’s 150, Matt Critchley’s 129 and Jamie Porter’s 7 for 113, but Durham’s resilience kept them in the hunt.
6. Leicestershire Back in the Top Flight
Leicestershire have secured promotion to Division One for the first time in 22 years. Despite losing rising star Rehan Ahmed to England duty, they relied on Lewis Hill and Shan Masood’s 152-run stand to frustrate Gloucestershire. Rain sealed the draw but also confirmed their return to the top tier.
To survive in 2026, Leicestershire will need Ahmed, Hill and Peter Handscomb to stay on board, and for young talents like Josh Hull to keep progressing.
