Who Made Your Dream Team for the 2025 County Championship Season?
Published: 2025-09-27 09:35:13 | Category: sport
Nottinghamshire has celebrated its first County Championship title since 2015, culminating in a thrilling season that showcased remarkable performances from players across the league. As the dust settles on a gripping domestic cricket season, fans and analysts alike have been eager to identify the standout performers who have made the greatest impact throughout the year. The BBC Sport user poll has determined the ultimate County Championship team of the season, featuring an array of talent from different counties.
Last updated: 27 September 2025 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- Nottinghamshire claims its first County Championship title in a decade.
- Haseeb Hameed and Dom Sibley were the top choices for openers.
- Three players from Division Two made it into the team.
- Jack Leach was the standout bowler with an impressive 52 wickets.
- Rehan Ahmed excelled as the all-rounder, showcasing both batting and bowling skills.
Nottinghamshire's Triumph
After a series of ups and downs in recent seasons, Nottinghamshire has emerged victorious in the County Championship for the first time since 2015. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, highlighting a resurgence in their performance and a commitment to excellence. The season was punctuated by key victories, strategic gameplay, and the emergence of exceptional talent. Nottinghamshire's success can be attributed to a combination of solid batting, effective bowling, and astute captaincy.
Standout Players of the Season
The 2025 County Championship season has seen numerous players rise to prominence, but a select few have truly shone, earning their spots in the team of the season as voted by fans. Each selected player has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and leadership throughout the campaign. Below, we explore these players and their remarkable contributions.
Openers: Haseeb Hameed and Dom Sibley
Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)
Haseeb Hameed was the clear fan-favourite, selected by 64% of voters after an outstanding season, accumulating 1,258 runs at an impressive average of 66.21, which included four centuries and five half-centuries. Hameed's ability to anchor the innings and score under pressure has made him a vital asset to Nottinghamshire's batting line-up. His century in the final match against Warwickshire was a testament to his skill and composure, securing the championship for his team.
Dom Sibley (Surrey)
Matching Hameed’s popularity, Dom Sibley also received 64% of the votes. He scored 1,274 runs with an average of 60.66, showcasing his evolution as a batsman by improving his strike rate. Sibley's performance included four centuries and six half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to adapt to modern cricket while remaining a traditional opener. His triple-century against Durham was a highlight, solidifying his reputation as a top run-scorer.
Middle Order: Saif Zaib, Tom Abell, and Marcus Harris
Saif Zaib (Northamptonshire)
Saif Zaib's selection by 61% of voters reflects his pivotal role for Northamptonshire, where he scored 1,387 runs at an average of 66.04, including six centuries. His ability to convert starts into big scores has provided much-needed stability in a struggling batting line-up. Zaib's contributions with the ball, taking 13 wickets, further established him as a key all-rounder this season.
Tom Abell (Somerset)
Tom Abell’s performance earned him 52% of the votes, with a total of 1,022 runs at an average of 51.10. His consistent scoring, including three centuries, played a crucial role in Somerset's competitive edge in Division One. Abell's experience and leadership were instrumental during critical matches, and he also contributed to Somerset's T20 Blast title victory.
Marcus Harris (Lancashire)
Selected by 46% of voters, Marcus Harris had a standout season with 1,027 runs at an average of 60.41, including three centuries. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly made him an essential player for Lancashire. Despite a dip in form towards the end of the season, his early performances secured his position in the team and showcased his pedigree as a former international player.
Wicketkeeper: John Simpson
John Simpson (Sussex)
John Simpson emerged as the top wicketkeeper based on a close vote, securing 39% of the selections. His 1,086 runs at an average of 60.33, alongside 54 dismissals, underscored his dual proficiency as a batsman and keeper. Simpson's experience and skill helped Sussex maintain their Division One status, and his leadership on the field has been vital for the team's success.
All-Rounder: Rehan Ahmed
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Rehan Ahmed was a runaway winner for the all-rounder spot, receiving 57% of the votes. He scored 760 runs at an average of 50.66 and took 23 wickets at an average of 19.00, demonstrating his versatility. Ahmed played a significant role in Leicestershire’s promotion back to Division One, showcasing his talent with both bat and ball, coupled with a series of five-wicket hauls.
Bowling Attack: Jack Leach, Kyle Abbott, Josh Tongue, and Tom Taylor
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Jack Leach was the standout bowler of the season, securing 83% of votes with 52 wickets at an average of 22.78. Leach's ability to spin the ball effectively has made him a formidable opponent. His performances included multiple four-wicket hauls, asserting his dominance as a specialist spinner, even in a season with fewer spin-friendly conditions.
Kyle Abbott (Hampshire)
Kyle Abbott, selected by 69% of voters, had an exceptional season with 56 wickets at an average of 20.69. Despite Hampshire's struggles, Abbott consistently delivered for his team, showcasing his experience and skill as a veteran bowler. His remarkable performance against Surrey highlighted his enduring capabilities on the field.
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
Josh Tongue’s selection by 60% of fans reflects a year of resurgence after injury. With 31 wickets at an impressive average of 22.03, he played a crucial role in Nottinghamshire’s title-winning campaign. His ability to take critical wickets at vital moments helped secure the championship and earned him a place in the England Test squad.
Tom Taylor (Worcestershire)
Tom Taylor rounded out the bowling attack with 50% of the votes, having taken 58 wickets at an average of 22.87. Despite Worcestershire's relegation, Taylor's consistent performances ensured he remained a key figure in the squad. His contributions were vital in several close matches, and his all-round capabilities were on full display throughout the season.
Conclusion
The 2025 County Championship season has been one of excitement and outstanding performances, culminating in Nottinghamshire's long-awaited title victory. The selection of the team of the season encapsulates the talent and depth of the league, highlighting players who have excelled under pressure and contributed significantly to their teams. As fans eagerly anticipate the next season, the question remains: who will emerge as the stars of the 2026 season? What new talent will rise to the occasion? The anticipation continues!
#CountyChampionship #Cricket2025 #NottinghamshireVictory
FAQs
What is the County Championship?
The County Championship is the premier first-class cricket competition in England and Wales, featuring county teams competing over a season to determine the champion. It operates in a league format, with teams placed in Division One and Division Two based on their performances.
How is the team of the season selected?
The team of the season is selected based on votes from fans who participate through platforms such as the BBC Sport website and app. They cast their votes for players based on performance throughout the season.
Who were the standout players in the 2025 season?
Standout players in the 2025 County Championship included Haseeb Hameed, Dom Sibley, Saif Zaib, and Jack Leach, among others, all of whom demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency in their performances.
What impact did Nottinghamshire's victory have on the club?
Nottinghamshire's victory in the County Championship not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also revitalises its reputation in the domestic cricket scene, promising a bright future ahead.
What are the future prospects for players selected in the team of the season?
Players selected in the team of the season often see increased recognition and opportunities, including potential national team selection and higher-profile contracts, as their performances attract attention from selectors and franchises alike.
