Kent Cricket has taken an unconventional route in preparation for the County Championship 2026, hiring a non-denominational geopathic surveyor to ward off evil spirits at their Canterbury ground. The county hopes this unusual measure can help turnaround their fortunes after winning just three matches across the last two campaigns and finishing rock-bottom in Division Two in 2025.

Durham look strong for promotion despite last season's heartbreaking relegation, boasting a potent attack featuring Kemar Roach and batting stars Emilio Gay and Ben McKinney. Lancashire, with coach Steven Croft and captain James Anderson, will aim to improve on fifth place last season, while Derbyshire's signing of Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas could prove pivotal in their promotion bid.

Worcestershire and Middlesex face uphill battles, with Northamptonshire hoping Nathan McSweeney and Saif Zaib's 1,425 runs from last season can power a surprise promotion push. With Gloucestershire suffering a seam-bowling exodus, they appear destined for another season in the second tier, making the race for promotion between Durham, Lancashire, and Derbyshire the main storyline to watch.