Metro Bank One-Day Cup 2025: Glamorgan Aim to Defend Title as County Cricket’s 50-Over Showpiece Returns

The Metro Bank One-Day Cup returns this week with defending champions Glamorgan looking to repeat last year's heroics in what promises to be another thrilling edition of England's premier 50-over domestic competition. With multiple teams affected by player call-ups to The Hundred, this year’s Group A is wide open — full of youthful promise, overseas quality, and redemption arcs.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the runners and riders in Group A:

Derbyshire

Captain: Brooke Guest
2024 Finish: 4th (Group A)
Key 2024 Players: Harry Came (281 runs), Zak Chappell (17 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Despite the loss of Wayne Madsen and Aneurin Donald to The Hundred, Derbyshire boast key assets like Aussie opener Caleb Jewell and returning all-rounder Luis Reece. Zak Chappell leads a potent bowling unit alongside Ben Aitchison.

Player to Watch: Martin Andersson – With his move from Middlesex paying dividends in red-ball cricket, he now has the chance to take centre stage in white-ball format with bat and ball.

Young Gun: Joe Hawkins, 18, an off-spinning all-rounder recently called up to the England U19s, could be a breakout star.

Final Word: After a disappointing Blast, Derbyshire are keen to show their white-ball mettle. Motivation and depth could see them push deep.

Essex

Captain: Tom Westley
2024 Finish: 7th (Group B)
Key 2024 Players: Robin Das (309 runs), Jamal Richards (15 wickets)

Why They Can Win: With fewer players away at The Hundred compared to last season, Essex should benefit from greater squad stability — though Khaleel Ahmed’s withdrawal is a blow.

Player to Watch: Robin Das – Top-scored last year, including a fine ton at Trent Bridge. Can he recapture that spark?

Young Gun: Luc Benkenstein – The 20-year-old leggie is back from injury and brings explosiveness with bat and ball.

Final Word: Essex have struggled in this format recently. A turnaround will depend on rediscovered form and smart leadership.

Glamorgan

Captain: Kiran Carlson
2024 Finish: Champions
Key 2024 Players: Colin Ingram (297 runs), Andy Gorvin & Dan Douthwaite (19 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Glamorgan return as defending champions and recent 50-over specialists, having also lifted the trophy in 2021. David Harrison leads the side with experience and a fresh coaching group.

Player to Watch: Billy Root – In the final year of his contract, Root could have a major role with both bat and ball amid squad absences.

Young Gun: Asa Tribe – The Jersey international has matured rapidly, earning a middle-order spot in the Blast and will likely open in this competition.

Final Word: Colin Ingram’s absence as a player may be felt, but with balance across departments and title-winning experience, Glamorgan remain a serious threat.

Gloucestershire

Captain: Jack Taylor
2024 Finish: 5th (Group B)
Key 2024 Players: Miles Hammond (363 runs), Ajeet Singh Dale (13 wickets)

Why They Can Win: With only four players in The Hundred, Gloucestershire’s squad is largely intact. They won the Blast last season and showed signs of resurgence in white-ball formats.

Player to Watch: Cameron Bancroft – The Aussie veteran brings tons of experience and is in fine form this summer.

Young Gun: Aman Rao – A tall, swing-bowling student from Loughborough University, his attributes could cause real damage.

Final Word: With Mark Thorburn stepping in for Mark Alleyne again, Gloucestershire will be determined to start stronger than in 2024 and make the knockouts.

Hampshire

Captain: Nick Gubbins
2024 Finish: Quarter-finals
Key 2024 Players: Ben Brown (286 runs), Brad Wheal (13 wickets)

Why They Can Win: With a balanced squad and few Hundred call-ups, Hampshire are perennial contenders in this format. New recruit Brandon McMullen and Indian star Tilak Varma strengthen them further.

Player to Watch: Eddie Jack – The 19-year-old pacer impressed for the Lions this summer, even troubling India’s stars. Expect pace and wickets.

Young Gun: Ben Mayes – Just 17, the England U19 prospect is tipped as a future star. Also watch out for quick Manny Lumsden.

Final Word: Three straight knockout exits — is this the year they go all the way? With Jimmy Adams at the helm, it could be.

Leicestershire

Captain: Peter Handscomb
2024 Finish: Semi-finalists
Key 2024 Players: Handscomb (539 runs), Tom Scriven (18 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Champions in 2023 and semi-finalists last year, Leicestershire have momentum and experience. Shan Masood and Sol Budinger will lead a dangerous top order.

Player to Watch: Shan Masood – The Pakistan captain is a white-ball specialist with an average over 50. Expect fireworks.

Young Gun: Alex Green – Just 18 and already 6’7”, the England U19 fast bowler is one to watch for the future.

Final Word: A poignant tournament for Leicestershire following the retirement of 2023 hero Harry Swindells. The squad will be keen to honour his memory with another deep run.

Nottinghamshire

Captain: Haseeb Hameed
2024 Finish: 4th (Group B)
Key 2024 Players: Ben Slater (398 runs), Rob Lord (11 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Buoyed by a good red-ball season, Notts have a strong batting core. Young bowlers like Rob Lord and James Hayes will be tested with key absentees.

Player to Watch: Ben Slater – A List A stalwart with an average of 52.75 and eight hundreds.

Young Gun: Sam Seecharan – The 18-year-old right-hander has been dominant in the second XI and now steps up.

Final Word: With Paul Franks stepping in as head coach, this is a chance for Notts to show depth and development while chasing a long-awaited white-ball title.

Surrey

Captain: Rory Burns
2024 Finish: 8th (Group B)
Key 2024 Players: Ryan Patel (363 runs), Cameron Steel (17 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Heavily hit by The Hundred (15 players missing), Surrey will turn to young talent and experienced heads like Burns, Foakes, and Sibley.

Player to Watch: Cameron Steel – A dependable leggie and middle-order batter who could become the team’s linchpin.

Young Gun: Ollie Sykes – A big-hitting 20-year-old who made a mark in last year’s Cup and the Blast.

Final Word: With no overseas signing, this is a developmental opportunity. But underestimating Surrey’s youngsters would be unwise.

Worcestershire

Captain: Jake Libby
2024 Finish: Quarter-finalists
Key 2024 Players: Jake Libby (526 runs), Jack Home (16 wickets)

Why They Can Win: Worcestershire are one of the least affected by The Hundred, meaning they can field a near full-strength XI. Khurram Shahzad adds depth to a steady squad.

Player to Watch: Tom Taylor – Consistent and economical, he’s been the standout bowler for the club this season.

Young Gun: Henry Cullen – The 22-year-old keeper is ready for a breakout white-ball season after strong 2nd XI form.

Final Word: After finishing strong in the Blast, Worcestershire have the tools and continuity to push beyond the quarter-finals this time.

What’s Next?

Group A promises intense battles, breakout stars, and the emergence of future England prospects. With Glamorgan eyeing back-to-back titles and multiple contenders pushing hard, this edition of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup is set for a thrilling ride.