2023 County Championship Tips – Round 1
Below you can find picks for Round 1 of the County Championship season from The Stats Zone's top Cricket tipsters. All times given are based on UK start times.
Thursday, April 6
Division One
Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire – 11:00am BST
Kent vs Northamptonshire – 11:00am BST
Lancashire vs Surrey – 11:00am BST
Middlesex vs Essex – 11:00am BST
Somerset vs Warwickshire – 11:00am BST
Division Two
Derbyshire vs Worcestershire – 11:00am BST
Glamorgan vs Gloucestershire – 11:00am BST
Sussex vs Durham – 11:00am BST
Yorkshire vs Leicestershire – 11:00am BST
Lancashire vs Surrey – 11:00am BST
Surrey beat Lancashire to the County Championship last year, but the Red Rose are in great shape to overhaul their southern rivals in 2023. The return of Saqib Mahmood from injury, alongside the availability of James Anderson should ensure their bowling attack stands as arguably the best in the country. The top order batters look as strong as ever, led by Keaton Jennings and Lancashire take on a Surrey side weakened compared to last season. Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes’ availability are boosts, but run-machine Hashim Amla has retired and injuries to both Jamie Overton and Will Jacks are significant blows when taking into account the roles both played in Surrey’s title triumph last season. With home advantage in Lancashire’s favour, they look well set to get off to a winning start this season.
Prediction: Lancashire draw no bet
Yorkshire vs Leicestershire – 11:00am BST
After being relegated to Division Two in dramatic fashion on the final day of last season, Yorkshire begin life in the second tier with a point to prove. On paper, their squad is comfortably among the best in the division and should see them right up the top end of the table. Leicestershire have perennially struggled in red ball cricket over the last couple of years and have been dealt a really tough hand first up in 2023. Yorkshire, in favourable home conditions will be expected to come out on top here.
Prediction: Yorkshire draw no bet
Glamorgan vs Gloucestershire – 11:00am BST
Glamorgan were pipped to the post in terms of promotion last season, but look well-placed to mount another serious challenge this time round. The addition of bowler Harry Podmore is a shrewd one and also when you factor in the presence of Sam Northeast, runs and wickets should both be on the menu. Gloucestershire were relegated last year and look a weaker team this time round without Ryan Higgins, who has re-joined Middlesex. Glamorgan appear the more ‘oven-ready’ side and on their own ground, may just do enough to overcome their South-West rivals.
Prediction: Glamorgan draw no bet
