Middlesex 2026 One Day Cup Preview
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Dan Clark
2025 Review:
League Position: 3rd in Group B - Lost QFs
Top Runscorer: Sam Robson 502 runs
Top Wicket Taker: Henry Brookes 17 wickets
Top Points Scorer: Sam Robson 937 points
The 2025 One Day Cup proved a small positive in what was a torrid year for Middlesex across the other two formats. The group dramatically qualified for the Quarter Finals after beating Lancashire by one wicket in a thrilling chase led by key knocks from Nathan Fernandes and Seb Morgan. This was their sixth win from their eight matches, with the other stand out performance being a sensational chase of 387 against Durham, led by Sam Robson’s 169 not out, as the target was chased down with two overs to spare.
It was not to be in the knockouts however, as an Ali Orr hundred led Hampshire to a score of 229, one Middlesex could not chase down. Despite resistance from Robson, Fernandes and Roland-Jones, wickets fell too often at the hands of Liam Dawson and Kyle Abbott, a tame way to end a campaign of promise for Middlesex. Henry Brookes displayed his talents however, finishing as the tournament’s fourth highest wicket taker, with impressive figures of 4/53 in the Quarter Final loss his best performance.
Middlesex 2026 One Day Cup Preview - Fantasy Cricket Banker, Wildcard & Young Gun
Middlesex once again may turn to their youth throughout the upcoming competition, although were dealt a hammer blow when star pacer Seb Morgan was picked up as a wildcard in the Hundred draft, along with England U19 international Caleb Falconer. Last season’s leading wicket taker Henry Brookes has had limited chances this season, only featuring on loan for Worcestershire earlier this term. Middlesex’s leading T20 wicket taker Tom Helm was also picked up as a wildcard in the Hundred draft, limiting his availability too.
This will lead the way to a true blend of youth and experience for Middlesex, with the likes of Robson and also Toby Roland-Jones providing key experience, in a side that will almost certainly feature young, promising pacers Naavya Sharma and Noah Cornwell. The competition may also be key for Josh de Caires, son of England great Michael Atherton, to display true all-rounder tendencies for a side which will require them for sure.
Banker: Zafar Gohar
With Ryan Higgins set to miss at least the beginning of the competition, Zafar Gohar looks set to continue his role as the key all-rounder for this Middlesex side. The spinner has been one of few bright spots for the county this season, with figures of 6/31 in the second innings of a County Championship match against Worcestershire propelling Middlesex to a key win. The Pakistan international, who qualifies as a domestic player, averages a shade under 30 with the ball across 97 List A appearances, so turn to Gohar for a reliable, premium points scorer.
Wildcard: Luke Hollman
The second key member of Middlesex’s spin department is left handed academy product Luke Hollman. Hollman sports a career average of 25 with the bat and 30 with the ball in List A cricket, and may see a promotion up the batting order due to the injury sustained by Ryan Higgins. Hollman has shown flashes this season in the T20 Blast, most notably an unbeaten 47 against Hampshire at Northwood in May. Look to Hollman as a differential pick who will score points across all areas of the game.
Young Gun: Naavya Sharma
With Morgan and Falconer set to miss parts of the competition, the 20 year old Sharma looks set for a big competition. Despite making ten First Class appearances, Sharma is yet to make his List A debut for the county. However, he has 31 wickets at a superb average of just under 27 so far, with his best being figures of 4/17 against Lancashire in May. Sharma is a quick and fiery bowler, with good variations of pace, and looks set to be the perfect accomplice to Roland-Jones and Noah Cornwell to form an intimidating pace trio for Middlesex.
Potential Starting XI:
Josh de Caires
Nathan Fernandes
Sam Robson
Ben Geddes
Luke Hollman
Joe Cracknell
Eathan Bosch
Zafar Gohar
Toby Roland-Jones
Henry Brookes
Naavya Sharma/Noah Cornwell
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