Welcome to the penultimate round of the County Championship season. With only two matches remaining after this week, the title race remains wide open across both divisions, and several teams face decisive moments that will shape their final standings.
The tension at the top of Division One is palpable. Just five points separate the leading three contenders, with Nottinghamshire seeking back-to-back victories while Somerset continues to pursue their first championship title of the season. Across the divisions, the stakes could hardly be higher: in Division Two, Durham have already secured the crown, yet only two points divide the chasing pack of Northants and Kent, while Hampshire's relegation can be confirmed this week depending on results.
Matches are taking place at grounds including Headingley, Chelmsford, Hove, Canterbury, Wantage Road, and Grace Road. This round forms part of the run-in to the season's conclusion, with the final County Championship matches scheduled to begin on Thursday 24 September 2026.
Understanding the points system
The County Championship awards 16 points for a victory, with draws and ties earning eight points for each side. First-innings bonus points, awarded only within the first 110 overs, are retained regardless of the match outcome.
Bowling bonus points are distributed as follows: six to eight wickets taken earns two points, while nine to ten wickets taken earns three points. If a match is abandoned without a ball being bowled, each side receives eight points. Should a match be abandoned due to an unfit pitch, the home team receives no points and forfeits any bonus points already earned, while the visiting team receives eight points plus any bonus points already achieved.
Several teams enter this round carrying disciplinary deductions. Sussex have been deducted 12 points due to their financial situation. Kent face a five-point deduction for slow over-rate, and Worcestershire have been deducted two points for the same offence.
Ongoing regulatory matters
The regulator continues to review Leicestershire's pitch, with the ECB currently unable to provide any timeline for a decision on this matter.
What happens next
Following this penultimate round, the next scheduled fixtures include Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire and Hampshire v Sussex, starting on Thursday 24 September 2026, which will determine the final championship standings. Additionally, Sussex face a disciplinary matter following their County Championship win over Glamorgan, adding another layer of complexity to the end-of-season picture.
