County Cricket Season Begins: Somerset vs. Nottinghamshire and More – Live Updates

The 2026 County Championship season is underway, with several matches kicking off across England. Join Tanya Aldred for live updates from the grounds, starting with the champions in action at Taunton as Somerset takes on Nottinghamshire.

Somerset vs. Nottinghamshire at Taunton

Somerset is hosting Nottinghamshire in a crucial match to start the season. Early reports indicate Haines and Hughes are making a strong start, settling in well at the crease. Yadvinder was taken off after two challenging overs, and Ben Green replaced him, conceding a four.

Leicestershire vs. Sussex

At another ground, Leicestershire is facing Sussex. A wicket has fallen for Sussex, with Hughes caught out for 19 at third man. Sussex currently stands at 57 for one.

County Cricket Talking Points

The County Championship remains a significant domestic prize, with 14 games played between April and September. Despite the challenges of injuries, weather, and international selections, winning the championship is a coveted achievement for teams like Somerset, who have been runners-up five times this century. The competition is known for its unpredictable nature, as demonstrated by Surrey’s fall from first to seventh place after winning the championship last year.

The Future of County Cricket

Discussions continue regarding the future of county cricket, including potential changes to the structure of the competition. These conversations are happening alongside the rise of new formats like The Hundred, raising questions about the balance between tradition and innovation in the sport.

Recent History: Somerset and Essex Rivalry

Taunton was the setting for a thrilling finale to the 2019 County Championship season, with Somerset facing Essex. The match was highly anticipated, with crowds expected to fill the grounds and Sky Sports providing extensive coverage.

Tanya Aldred

Tanya Aldred is providing live updates and commentary throughout the County Championship season.

England Cricket Team Performance (as of March 5, 2026)

The England men’s cricket team, governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) since 1997, currently holds the following rankings:

• Test: 3rd (Best-ever: 1st, June 1, 1955)
• ODI: 8th (Best-ever: 1st, January 1, 1981)
• T20I: 2nd (Best-ever: 1st, October 24, 2011)

Recent match results include a T20I against India on March 5, 2026, and an ODI against Sri Lanka on January 27, 2026. The last Test match was played against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4-8, 2026.