By Dom Harris
As T20 cricket continues to garner the spotlight for emerging cricketers, the County Championship remains a vital stage for young talent eager to leave their mark. A prime example is Somerset’s own Archie Vaughan, who shone towards the end of last season and aims to make further strides with both bat and ball in 2025.
Here’s a look at promising young players poised to shine for their counties in the coming season.
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Harry Moore (Derbyshire) – Age 17
Mickey Arthur has dubbed Harry Moore as the finest 17-year-old talent he has coached. This budding fast bowler is on the path to becoming Derbyshire’s first England representative since Dominic Cork in 1995. After debuting in 2023, Moore had a breakthrough season in the One-Day Cup last year, taking ten wickets while showcasing his batting skills, leading to his participation in the last three County Championship matches of the season. Already capped at the Under-19 level for England, Moore was also snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix in the recent Hundred draft. He has inked a new three-year contract with Derbyshire, gearing up for his first full season under the guidance of players like Zak Chappell, Pat Brown, and overseas talent Blair Tickner.
James Minto (Durham) – Age 17
Known for nurturing England’s fast bowlers, Durham might soon add James Minto to that list. Minto debuted for the County Championship towards the end of last season against Surrey at The Oval, entering history as the club’s youngest first-class player. His sharp bouncer, which rattled England’s former Test opener Rory Burns, went viral. Clocking speeds up to 87mph, this left-armer joined the England Under-19 squad in South Africa for the winter and thrived during Durham’s pre-season tour in Zimbabwe, forming a formidable new-ball partnership with Matthew Potts and taking eight wickets in two matches.
Tom Prest (Hampshire) – Age 22
Tom Prest isn’t new to county cricket. He debuted in 2021 and averaged an impressive 48.50 last season with a remarkable strike rate. This year, with the iconic James Vince focusing solely on T20, Prest will step into a more pivotal role. The former England Under-19 captain hit a career-best 156 against Essex last August, signaling his potential to elevate Hampshire’s standing in county cricket.
James Wharton (Yorkshire) – Age 24
Yorkshire’s James Wharton, with several years of experience, is eyeing a breakout season after finishing 2024 on a high. Wharton amassed 833 runs in merely nine matches, including memorable innings such as a 188 against Derbyshire and an extraordinary 285 against Northamptonshire—the fifth-highest individual first-class score at Headingley. Having achieved a T20 century in 2023, Wharton now faces the challenge of Division One, leveraging the absence of regulars like Joe Root and Harry Brook to further showcase his prowess.
Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire) – Age 17
Farhan Ahmed, younger brother to England international Rehan, made waves last year on his first-class debut with Nottinghamshire against Surrey—bowling an exhaustive 50.4 overs and bagging figures of 7-140. As the youngest bowler to take 10 wickets in a county match, Farhan shows promise as England’s spin resources face a depth challenge. Already an England Under-19 World Cup and Test squad participant at 15, his potential is immense, though he might bide his time on the sidelines as Nottinghamshire assess their need for spin options.
Other Players Worth Watching
- Jack Carson (Sussex): The 24-year-old off-spinner claimed 50 wickets last season, helping Sussex clinch the Division Two title.
- James Sales (Northamptonshire): A 22-year-old all-rounder notched a career-best 135 in 2024, now under new head coach Darren Lehmann.
- Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire): At 18, this England Lions batter is set for a pivotal role as Warwickshire looks to bolster its red-ball side.
Interested in more? Discover the young prospects catching England’s eye in 2025, including Ben McKinney and Sam Cook.
