The final ball has been bowled, the last run scored, and the dust has settled on another enthralling County Championship season. For months, you, the readers of BBC Sport, have been voting week-in, week-out for your standout performers. After thousands of votes cast across the summer, the results are in. Here is your 2025 County Championship Team of the Season.
The Openers: A blend of youth and experience
At the top of the order, you've selected a pair who provided their sides with formidable foundations throughout the campaign. First, Keaton Jennings of Lancashire. The left-hander was a model of consistency, amassing over 1,200 runs at an average touching 60. His ability to bat for long periods, grinding opposition attacks into the dust, was a hallmark of Lancashire's push for the title. Jennings’ centuries, often chanceless and commanding, made him an undeniable choice for one of the opening slots.
Alongside him is a young man who announced himself as a future star of English cricket: James Rew of Somerset. While primarily a wicket-keeper, your votes have secured him a place as a specialist batsman, such was the weight of his run-scoring. Rew, still only 20, displayed a maturity beyond his years, blending solid defence with a thrilling array of shots. His season was defined by a monumental double-hundred against Yorkshire at Taunton, an innings described by BBC Sport commentator Kevin Howells as, "one of the most complete innings by a young player I have ever witnessed."
The Middle Order: The engine room
At number three comes the rock of the Surrey batting line-up, Ollie Pope. Fresh from England duties, Pope returned to the County Championship with a point to prove. His technique was, as ever, a delight to watch, but it was his hunger for big scores that impressed most. He converted several starts into centuries, providing the glue that held Surrey's innings together during crucial phases. His fielding in the cordon was also exemplary, snapping up 15 catches.
The number four spot is occupied by the ever-dependable Sam Northeast of Hampshire. Northeast seems to have a permanent residence in the Team of the Season discussions, and 2025 was no different. He piled on the runs with an air of inevitability, including a career-best 335 not out against Middlesex at Lord's. That innings, played over two days, was a masterclass in concentration and shot selection. A fan who voted for him wrote, "Watching Northeast bat is like watching a artist paint a masterpiece; every stroke has a purpose."
At five, we have the dynamic Harry Brook of Yorkshire. Brook’s availability was limited due to international commitments, but when he played, he was devastating. His strike-rate was comfortably the highest in the division, turning matches on their head in a single session. His 189 from just 150 balls against Warwickshire was a brutal reminder of his talent and a key reason for his inclusion.
The All-rounder and Wicket-Keeper
The number six spot is reserved for the premier all-rounder in the country, Liam Dawson of Hampshire. Dawson was instrumental with both bat and ball, offering control and crucial contributions when his team needed them most. His left-arm spin claimed 45 wickets, while his lower-order batting rescued Hampshire from precarious positions on multiple occasions. He is also our first-choice spinner.
Taking the gloves at number seven is John Simpson of Middlesex. In a season where wicket-keeping standards were exceptionally high, Simpson’s consistency behind the stumps, particularly standing up to the seamers, earned him widespread praise. He was also a vital cog in the Middlesex middle-order, playing several counter-attacking innings that changed the momentum of games. His season highlights include:
- 52 dismissals (48 catches, 4 stumpings)
- Over 750 runs at an average of 45
- A match-winning 110 against Nottinghamshire
The Pace Attack: Fire and fury
Leading the bowling attack is the irrepressible Sam Cook of Essex. Cook once again proved why he is the most consistent seamer in the country, topping the wicket-taking charts with 68 scalps. His mastery of line, length, and movement, both in the air and off the pitch, made him a nightmare for batters across all counties. A commentator noted, "Facing Sam Cook with a new ball is the ultimate examination of a county batsman's technique."
Partnering him is the express pace of Josh Tongue of Nottinghamshire. After overcoming injury troubles, Tongue returned with a point to prove, regularly touching 90mph and generating disconcerting bounce. He provided the X-factor, the wicket-taking threat that broke partnerships. His spell of 7-40 against Somerset at Trent Bridge was one of the bowling performances of the season.
Completing the pace trio is the veteran campaigner Darren Stevens of Kent. At an age where most players have long retired, Stevens continues to defy logic and physics. His medium-pace seamers, seemingly innocuous, accounted for over 50 batsmen this season, thanks to his unparalleled cunning and skill. He remains a fan favourite and a deserved selection based on pure performance.
The Captain and Coach
You voted overwhelmingly for James Vince of Hampshire to captain this star-studded side. Vince led his team with tactical acumen and a calm demeanour, guiding them to a top-two finish. His own batting was as elegant as ever, and his ability to get the best out of his players makes him the ideal leader. The team would be coached by Paul Collingwood of Durham, whose innovative and positive approach has transformed his side into contenders.
Honourable Mentions
The competition for places was incredibly fierce. Several outstanding players narrowly missed the cut, a testament to the quality on show this season. Your votes also highlighted the performances of:
- Jordan Cox (Essex): A mountain of runs and spectacular fielding.
- Matt Potts (Durham): Relentless energy and wicket-taking ability.
- Kashif Ali (Worcestershire): A breakthrough season with over 1,000 runs.
- Mason Crane (Hampshire): The leading leg-spinner with key contributions.
This team, as chosen by you, reflects a season of high skill, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. It showcases the incredible depth of talent within the domestic game, from established internationals to exciting newcomers. The County Championship continues to be the bedrock of English cricket, and this XI is a fitting tribute to another fantastic summer of red-ball cricket.