2025 County Championship - club-by-club guide

The 2025 County Championship begins on Friday - and, remarkably for early April, the weather is set to be glorious.

But which county sides will sparkle this season and whose outlook is gloomy?

The BBC's local radio county cricket commentators and online journalists - who will be providing ball-by-ball radio and live text commentary throughout the season on the BBC Sport website and app - take a look at each club's prospects...

2024 season - Eighth in Division Two

Dave Fletcher - BBC Radio Derby

Given Derbyshire finished bottom of Division Two in 2024, things can surely only improve.

They did at least win a game last year, unlike 2023, but it was another bitterly disappointing watch for the County Ground faithful.

They were not helped by an opening round washout against Gloucestershire last season which meant they were playing catch-up from the off.

That appears unlikely to be repeated so a quick start – against the same opposition - is essential.

They have added Australian opening batter Caleb Jewell to the squad and he will be ed by returning Kiwi quick bowler Blair Tickner, whose spell last season was all too brief.

There's a new captain at the helm, too, although it is a familiar figure. Wayne Madsen, who led the side to promotion in 2012, takes over from David Lloyd after his solitary campaign leading the side.

Tickner's return and the presence of experienced bowlers such as Zak Chappell and Pat Brown can only benefit newcomer Harry Moore.

Already in the England system, the much talked-about 17-year-old will be starting his first full season in the senior side having already shown he can more than hold his own at that level.

Winter gs Jack Morley and Martin Andersson will be better for having been with the group last season.

The big challenge remains the ability to take 20 wickets a match, something Mickey Arthur's side have to do if they are to repeat the relative riches of his first season in charge in 2022.

2024 season - Fifth in Division One

Martin Emmerson - BBC Radio Newcastle

Durham finished fifth on their return to Division One last season and in general more than held their own. They might be able to improve on that this year. We'll see.

They weren't helped by the loss of their entire opening game - at home to Hampshire in April – but there was only really Surrey who turned them over.

That was towards the end of the season and the week Surrey retained their title - and they beat a weakened Durham side struggling with injuries.

From a batting point of view they have added Emilio Gay to the ranks. He ed towards the end of last season from Northants, while Will Rhodes chose to leave Warwickshire after seven seasons, despite the offer of a new contract.

They will help boost a line-up which includes the leading batter in Division One last season, in South African David Bedingham. He scored 1,331 runs, including a club-record 279 against Lancashire in September. He also became the first Durham batter to score centuries in four consecutive innings.

Opener Michael Jones has left for Lancashire. His outings last season were limited due to selection choices, so he took the decision to head back home.

Bowling is the key issue. They've had no luck with overseas players in recent seasons. Scott Boland lasted part of one game before returning home to Australia in April. Neil Wagner managed just one game too. Veteran Peter Siddle came in and did well in his four games, while West Indian Chemar Holder didn't particularly pull up any trees in his three matches. Keeping their bowlers fit will be key.

It remains to be seen how much of a good g Sam Conners will be. The bowler has ed from Derbyshire. While he boasted 50 championship wickets in 2022, he took 27 the following year, but only played five Championship matches last season. Australian seamer Brendan Doggett will play County Championship matches in April and May. The 30-year-old seamer plays for South Australia and has 157 first-class wickets to his name.

Then there's the likes of ever-dependable all-rounder Ben Raine. Matthew Potts is important to the team too, when England allow him to be available. Seventeen-year-old James Minto looks a good prospect and fellow bowler Daniel Hogg will be looking to push on after a career-best 7-66 against Notts in Chester-le-Street.