Gloucestershire 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Overview
The surprise 2024 champions endured a difficult follow-up campaign, finishing seventh in the South Group. In their title defense, they managed just five wins against nine losses, and they will be desperate to rediscover that championship magic when the new season begins.
After seeing their squad heavily depleted over the winter, Gloucestershire have successfully retained their overseas duo, Cameron Bancroft and D’Arcy Short. The signing of Dawid Malan is an astute move; the veteran is expected to provide leadership and stability at the top of the order. Miles Hammond remains a reliable performer, and Jack Taylor bolsters the top six after a productive 303-run season in 2025. On the bowling front, David Payne leads the attack, supported by Matt Taylor, who claimed 11 wickets last year. Craig Miles is likely to step in to fill the seam-bowling void left by the departures of Ajeet Singh Dale and Josh Shaw.
Key Picks: Banker, Wildcard, Young Gun & England Watch
Banker: D’Arcy Short (ALR)
Short was Gloucestershire's standout performer with the bat last summer, racking up 551 runs at an average of 42.38 and a strike rate of 136.04, including five half-centuries. Finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, he also offers utility with the ball. Having bowled 14 overs and taken three wickets last year, his high match involvement makes him a safe and valuable "Banker" pick.
Wildcard: Matt Taylor (BWL)
With several seamers departing, David Payne requires a new new-ball partner, and Taylor proved he is up to the task. He claimed 10 wickets across 10 matches last season, suggesting he is a locked-in starter. Priced at £6.7m, he is unlikely to be on many managers' radars, making him a genuine differential wildcard for your squad.
Young Gun: Tommy Boorman (BAT)
The 21-year-old recently broke into the red-ball side, making his debut against Lancashire in April. While he only featured once in the Blast last summer, his £4.6m price tag makes him an excellent budget enabler. If he maintains his strong red-ball form, expect him to see significantly more opportunities in the white-ball format this year.
England Watch: David Payne (BWL)
Payne remains Gloucestershire’s x-factor. He took 17 wickets last summer at a superb average of 21.58 and an elite economy rate of just 6.77. Having recently sharpened his skills in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he enters the competition in peak condition. While his sole England ODI cap came in 2022, his consistent domestic numbers keep him on the periphery of the national conversation.
Potential Strongest XI for 2026 T20 Blast
No | Player | Role |
1 | Dawid Malan | BAT |
2 | Cameron Bancroft (OS) | WKT |
3 | D’Arcy Short (OS) | ALR |
4 | Miles Hammond | BAT |
5 | Oliver Price | ALR |
6 | Jack Taylor | BAT |
7 | Ben Charlesworth | BAT |
8 | Graeme van Buuren | ALR |
9 | Matt Taylor | BWL |
10 | Craig Miles | BWL |
11 | David Payne | BWL |
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