Lancashire 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Overview
Lancashire enter the 2026 campaign off the back of a strong showing last year. They finished top of the North Group, winning nine and losing five of their 14 group games. While they moved past Kent to reach Finals Day, they ultimately came up short against Somerset in the semi-final.
The availability of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt will provide a huge boost when they become available once their IPL stints finish. The pair played only around half of the matches in 2025 and all Lancashire and England fans will be hoping to see more of them in 2026! We may also see more of Liam Livingstone following his exclusion from recent England squads.
However, even when any or all of that trio is absent, Lancashire boasts real depth with both bat and ball. While it is difficult to predict the exact lineup, the squad is so deep that it may leave out the likes of Tom Hartley, Michael Jones, Matty Hurst, Mitchell Stanley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Paul Coughlin, and Tom Aspinwall. With this talent at their disposal, Lancashire will look to be pushing toward the latter stages of the competition once again.
Banker / Wildcard / Young Gun / England Pick
Banker: Chris Green (ALR)
An excellent performer last summer, the Australian returns to Old Trafford for 2026 looking for more of the same. He maintains high match involvement, allowing for greater point-scoring opportunities. He grabbed 21 wickets last year at an average of 18.61, while adding 180 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 145.16. He will be a pivotal figure in this Lancashire side.
Wildcard: Jack Blatherwick (BWL)
Blatherwick had an impressive 2025 campaign, becoming a key member of the squad. He took 13 wickets with a best of 3 for 29 and added significant value with the bat. He scored 107 runs with a top score of 34 not out, but it was his strike rate that truly stood out. Striking at 155.07, Blatherwick provided excellent lower-order hitting to lengthen the batting lineup and could be someone who goes under the radar again in 2026.
Young Gun: Charlie Barnard (BWL)
The 21-year-old left-arm spinner made three appearances last term, taking 14 wickets with a steady economy rate of 7.00 and an average of 15.75. While Chris Green will lead the spin attack, with Tom Hartley and Luke Wells also likely to feature. Barnard showed last year he is also capable of making the step up and he also impressed in the Second XI T20 last summer, finishing as Lancashire's leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets at an economy of 6.28.
England Watch: Saqib Mahmood (BWL)
Mahmood only played three times in 2025 but will be aiming to return to full fitness and secure a solid campaign. He is still highly valued by England after featuring against South Africa in September and playing for the Lions over the winter in the UAE. He was also part of the Oval Invincibles side that won The Hundred last summer and will be looking to make a major impact this season at Old Trafford.
Potential T20 Blast Strongest Starting XI
No | Player | Role |
1 | Phil Salt | WKT |
2 | Jos Buttler | WKT |
3 | Keaton Jennings | BAT |
4 | Ben McDermott (OS) | WKT |
5 | Liam Livingstone | ALR |
6 | Luke Wells | ALR |
7 | Chris Green (OS) | ALR |
8 | Luke Wood | BWL |
9 | Jack Blatherwick | BWL |
10 | Saqib Mahmood | BWL |
11 | James Anderson | BWL |
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