Nottinghamshire 2026 One Day Cup Preview

Written by Andy Moore (The Trent)

2025 Review:

League Position: 5th in Group B

Top Runscorer: Jack Haynes - 473 runs

Top Bowler: Robert Lord - 12 wickets

Top Points Scorer: Jack Haynes - 959 points

Nottinghamshire endured a frustrating One-Day Cup campaign in which consistency proved difficult to find. As is often the case in this competition, player availability was heavily influenced by The Hundred, leaving younger members of the squad with significant responsibility. There were flashes of promise throughout the group stage, but the Outlaws were unable to string enough victories together to seriously challenge for qualification. The tournament nevertheless provided invaluable experience for several academy graduates and fringe players, many of whom have since established themselves more firmly within the senior squad.

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Nottinghamshire 2026 One Day Cup Preview - Fantasy Cricket Banker, Wildcard & Young Gun

There is every reason for Nottinghamshire supporters to be optimistic. The county's production line of young talent continues to strengthen and the One-Day Cup has become one of the best showcases for that depth. While several established stars are likely to be unavailable, Notts should still field a side containing plenty of first-team experience alongside some of the most exciting young players in the country. Trent Bridge remains one of the best batting venues in England, but success in this competition will depend upon taking wickets through the middle overs and defending totals away from home. If those areas click, Nottinghamshire have every chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Banker: Lyndon James

Lyndon James has developed into one of the most dependable all-round cricketers in county cricket. He scores runs in a variety of situations, bowls important overs and is an outstanding fielder. In fifty-over cricket, that versatility is invaluable because he contributes regardless of how the game develops. He may not always dominate the headlines, but he rarely has a poor tournament.

Wildcard: Freddie McCann

Few young batters possess Freddie McCann's talent. He has already shown he belongs at first-class level, but fifty-over cricket offers him the freedom to play with even greater intent. There will undoubtedly be innings where he gets out trying to dominate, but there will also be days when he produces match-winning centuries. That mixture of enormous potential and understandable inconsistency makes him Nottinghamshire's wildcard.

Young Gun: Farhan Ahmed

Still only a teenager, Farhan Ahmed is regarded as one of the country's brightest young spin-bowling prospects. The One-Day Cup has often been the competition where future internationals first make their mark, and Ahmed has the skillset to follow that path. His control, variation and maturity already stand out, and another strong campaign would only strengthen the growing belief that he has a very bright future ahead of him.

Nottinghamshire One Day Cup Squad

Nottinghamshire One Day Cup Squad

Potential Starting XI:

1. Haseeb Hameed

2. Ben Slater

3. Freddie McCann

4. Jack Haynes

5. Ben Martindale

6. Lyndon James

7. Kyle Verreynne

8. Joe Pocklington

9. Brett Hutton

10. Farhan Ahmed

11. James Hayes