County Championship 2024: Champions Surrey to start season against Lancashire

In the exciting world of cricket, the County Championship 2024 promises to be a thrilling season, and the stage is set for a gripping start as the reigning champions, Surrey, embark on their quest for a historic third consecutive crown. The action is set to kick off at the iconic Old Trafford, where Surrey will face Lancashire in what promises to be a challenging encounter.

Surrey, having finished a remarkable 20 points clear of their closest rivals Essex in the previous season, are riding high on confidence as they look to extend their dominance in the County Championship. This powerhouse team has proven its mettle by securing back-to-back titles, and the cricketing world is eager to see if they can achieve the elusive three-peat.

Interestingly, for the second consecutive season, Lancashire will play host to the defending champions in the opening round of Division One fixtures. This sets the stage for a potentially nail-biting clash between two formidable cricketing forces. Fans may recall a rain-affected draw that marked the beginning of the 2023 season between these two teams, but Lancashire gained the upper hand with a convincing victory at The Oval in June, making this showdown even more intriguing.

The history books remind us that achieving three consecutive County Championship titles is a rare feat. The last time it happened was way back in 1968 when Yorkshire accomplished this remarkable feat. However, Surrey cricket enthusiasts will take pride in the fact that their team once claimed seven consecutive crowns between 1952 and 1958, showcasing the rich tradition of excellence that they aim to uphold.

But the excitement doesn’t end with Surrey and Lancashire. Division Two Champions Durham are set to host Hampshire in their opening fixture, and Worcestershire, who earned promotion as runners-up, will face off against local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, Middlesex, who were relegated to the second tier, will begin their campaign against Glamorgan at the historic Lord’s cricket ground, and Northamptonshire, who finished at the bottom of Division One, will be on the road, facing Sussex.

One unique aspect of the County Championship 2024 is the scheduling. The season will commence with eight consecutive rounds of matches played from Friday to Monday each week throughout April and May, promising fans a cricketing feast. After a brief hiatus for the T20 Blast and before the England men’s Test summer, the County Championship will return with back-to-back rounds in June and July, with each county playing one home fixture and one away.

August, a month that was devoid of Championship cricket last season, will see two rounds taking place this year, starting on Thursday, 22, and Thursday, 29 August. The first half of the month will be dedicated to the Men’s and Women’s Hundred and the One-Day Cup, ensuring a packed cricketing calendar for fans to enjoy.

Notable changes await fans this season. The points awarded for a draw will revert from five back to eight, in contrast to last season’s alteration. Additionally, batting bonus points will continue to be awarded for first-innings scores ranging from 250 to 450, adding an extra layer of excitement to the games.

A significant development is the trial use of Kookaburra balls, which will now feature in four rounds of Championship matches, doubling from the previous two. These balls will be introduced both at the beginning of the season and towards the latter part of the campaign, potentially altering the dynamics of the matches.

Another intriguing experiment is the one-year trial of hybrid pitches for County Championship matches, which could introduce an element of unpredictability and excitement into the games.

In the realm of one-day formats, the T20 Blast promises a thrilling season, with an increase in the number of matches played on Thursday and Friday nights and weekends. There will be a record 22 T20 Blast/Charlotte Edwards Cup double-headers across 16 grounds, including eight double-headers during the Blast Off weekend from Thursday, 30 May to Sunday, 2 June. Rivals Week, a new addition, will see 10 of the game’s closest rivals battling it out in the opening group fixtures on 20-21 June.

Notably, the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day will mirror the format of the T20 Blast Finals Day for the first time, featuring two semi-finals and a final all on the same day. The Blast Finals Day, already a highly anticipated event, is set to take place at Edgbaston on Saturday, 14 September, promising an electric atmosphere.

The One-Day Cup, another exciting competition, will witness Leicestershire defending their title as they take on Notts Outlaws on Wednesday, 24 July. The groups are stacked with formidable teams, ensuring a highly competitive tournament. The One-Day Cup Final will once again grace Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Sunday, 22 September.

In the women’s cricketing arena, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will commence on Saturday, 20 April, with the defending champions, Southern Vipers, starting their campaign against South East Stars. The final is scheduled to take place at Leicester on Saturday, 21 September.

For fans of disability cricket, the Disability Premier League draft will be held in March, paving the way for the return of the four-team competition in August and September, adding a layer of inclusivity and excitement to the cricketing calendar.

With the County Championship 2024 promising thrilling encounters, rule changes, and innovative experiments, cricket enthusiasts have every reason to be excited. As the cricketing world awaits the action to unfold, one thing is certain: this season is set to be a rollercoaster ride for fans of the gentleman’s game. So, buckle up and get ready for a summer filled with cricketing drama and excitement!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about County Championship 2024

Q: When does the County Championship 2024 season start?

A: The County Championship 2024 season kicks off on Friday, 5 April.

Q: Who are the defending champions in the County Championship?

A: Surrey is the defending champion, aiming for a historic third consecutive title.

Q: How many rounds will be played in the County Championship 2024?

A: The County Championship 2024 will feature eight consecutive rounds played from Friday to Monday in April and May, followed by back-to-back rounds in June and July. Two rounds will also take place in August.

Q: What’s the unique aspect of this season’s County Championship points system?

A: This season, the points awarded for a draw will revert from five back to eight, and batting bonus points will be awarded for first-innings scores between 250 and 450.

Q: What are the notable changes and experiments in this season’s County Championship?

A: Notable changes include the trial use of Kookaburra balls in four rounds of matches, a one-year trial of hybrid pitches, and an extended schedule with matches in August.

Q: What can cricket fans expect from the T20 Blast in 2024?

A: The T20 Blast promises more matches on Thursday and Friday nights and weekends, a record number of double-headers, and the exciting addition of Rivals Week.

Q: Where will the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day and Blast Finals Day take place?

A: The Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day will be at Derby, while the Blast Finals Day will be held at Edgbaston on Saturday, 14 September.

Q: When does the One-Day Cup commence, and where is the final?

A: The One-Day Cup starts on Wednesday, 24 July, and the final will be held at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Sunday, 22 September.

Q: When does the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy begin, and where is the final?

A: The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy starts on Saturday, 20 April, with the final scheduled at Leicester on Saturday, 21 September.

Q: Is there anything special for fans of disability cricket?

A: Yes, the Disability Premier League draft takes place in March, followed by a four-week competition in August and September, bringing inclusivity and excitement to the cricket calendar.

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