County Championship 2025 Kicks Off with Thrilling Performances
Jordan Cox leads Essex with a brilliant century; Yorkshire struggles under new captain Jonny Bairstow against Hampshire

The 2025 County Championship season got underway with a dramatic opening round that highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of English domestic cricket. From stunning individual performances to unexpected team collapses, the first fixtures of the season delivered high-quality cricket, thrilling fans across the country.

One of the standout performances came from Jordan Cox, who struck a magnificent century for Essex against a strong Surrey bowling lineup. The young right-hander showcased exceptional technique and temperament, anchoring the Essex innings and laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, Yorkshire suffered a dramatic batting collapse against Hampshire, despite being led by their newly appointed captain and England international, Jonny Bairstow. The change in leadership didn't provide the immediate boost Yorkshire fans had hoped for, as the team crumbled under pressure.

Jordan Cox’s Century Lights Up Essex’s Innings

Playing at Chelmsford, Jordan Cox displayed maturity beyond his years as he composed a fluent and controlled century against a talented Surrey bowling attack featuring the likes of Jamie Overton and Sean Abbott. Coming in at a crucial time after early wickets had fallen, Cox rotated the strike efficiently and capitalized on loose deliveries.

His innings was marked by elegant drives, precise footwork, and calm decision-making under pressure. He brought up his century with a classy boundary through cover, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd. Cox’s knock not only stabilized Essex’s innings but also sent a strong message to national selectors ahead of England’s busy summer schedule.

The partnership between Cox and Tom Westley proved vital, as they put on over 120 runs for the third wicket, ensuring Essex crossed the 300-run mark by the end of the day. With bowlers struggling to extract much from a flat pitch, Cox's technique was a masterclass in batting on slow surfaces.

Surrey Fight Back Late in the Day

Despite Cox’s dominance, Surrey managed to claw back some control with late wickets. Abbott struck twice in quick succession post-tea, removing both Westley and Cox to prevent Essex from running away with the game.

The late burst showed Surrey’s resilience and kept them in the match, setting the stage for an intriguing second day. With both teams looking to establish early dominance in the season, the clash remains delicately poised.

Yorkshire Collapse Under Bairstow’s Captaincy

Over at Headingley, the much-anticipated leadership debut of Jonny Bairstow as Yorkshire’s captain didn’t go according to plan. Hampshire’s bowling unit, led by the experienced Kyle Abbott and supported by young sensation John Turner, dismantled Yorkshire’s batting lineup with ruthless efficiency.

Yorkshire, opting to bat first, were reduced to 54/6 before lunch. Bairstow himself was dismissed cheaply, edging behind off Turner for just 11. His dismissal triggered a sharp collapse, exposing the team’s vulnerability under pressure.

Despite a brief fightback from Dom Bess, who added a gritty 37, Yorkshire were bowled out for a paltry 112. The top order’s inability to handle the moving ball was evident, raising early concerns about the team’s batting depth.

Hampshire Assert Early Control

Hampshire capitalized on their dominance by putting up a solid batting response. James Vince, the skipper, led from the front with a composed half-century. He was well-supported by Ben Brown, and together they built a crucial partnership that helped Hampshire surpass Yorkshire’s total by the end of Day 1.

The commanding performance from Hampshire underlined their title ambitions this season. Their disciplined bowling and controlled batting gave them a strong platform early in the Championship.

Other Notable Performances Around the Grounds

  • At Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire’s opener Haseeb Hameed continued his resurgence with a well-constructed 88 against Warwickshire.

  • Lancashire’s Tom Hartley spun a web around Kent’s middle order, claiming four wickets in a single session.

  • Somerset’s Lewis Gregory picked up five wickets against Glamorgan, showcasing his skills with the new ball and underlining his value as an all-rounder.

Early Signs of Excitement in the 2025 Season

The opening round of the County Championship has already set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed season. Young talents like Jordan Cox and John Turner have emerged as players to watch, while experienced campaigners like Kyle Abbott and James Vince continue to demonstrate their class.

For Yorkshire, the early setback under Jonny Bairstow may serve as a wake-up call. While Bairstow is undoubtedly one of the most experienced cricketers in the squad, his transition into leadership comes with high expectations. The team will need to rally quickly to avoid falling behind in the early stages of the tournament.