Promotion the priority as Middlesex enter new era under Fulton
After a 2025 campaign defined by missed opportunities and mid-table stability, Middlesex enter the 2026 season with a refreshed coaching set-up and a clear mandate: return to the top flight of the County Championship.
The headline change over the winter was the appointment of Peter Fulton as head coach. The former New Zealand international batter takes the reins from Richard Johnson, who departed at the end of last season.
Fulton’s primary task will be to sharpen a batting unit that often struggled for consistency on the high-quality, but sometimes lifeless, surfaces at Lord’s.
Leadership and batting core
The club enters its first full season under the permanent captaincy of Leus du Plooy. The South African-born skipper was a rare bright spark last year, amassing over 1,000 first-class runs, including a monumental unbeaten 263 against Gloucestershire. His ability to lead by example will be crucial in a Division Two that looks particularly competitive this year with the presence of relegated sides like Lancashire and Durham.
Supporting Du Plooy at the top of the order is the experienced Sam Robson. The former England opener remains the bedrock of the Middlesex top four and starts the summer within touching distance of 14,000 career first-class runs. Alongside him, much is expected of Josh de Caires—son of former England captain Michael Atherton—who impressed during pre-season fixtures against Hampshire and Nottinghamshire.
Bowling depth and youth integration
Middlesex’s greatest strength remains a settled and potent seam attack. Toby Roland-Jones continues to defy the years as the spearhead, while Tom Helm and Ryan Higgins have both handed the club a boost by signing long-term contract extensions over the winter. Higgins, in particular, remains one of the most effective all-rounders in the county game.
However, the 2026 season may be defined by how the club integrates its emerging talent. High hopes are pinned on teenage bowlers Sebastian Morgan and Naavya Sharma, both of whom have been included in the initial match-day squads. In the spin department, the club will rely heavily on the guile of former Pakistan international Zafar Gohar, with Luke Hollman providing a leg-spinning alternative.
Off-field woes
While the focus is on promotion, the campaign begins against a backdrop of administrative scrutiny.
A group of club legends, including former England captain Mike Gatting, has been vocal regarding the club’s governance ahead of the Annual General Meeting on 15 April. Whether this affects the dressing room remains to be seen, but a strong start on the pitch would go a long way to calming the waters,
Tough season awaits
With a high-class seam attack and a top order capable of big scores, Middlesex are among the favourites for promotion. However, in a division containing several “powerhouse” counties, the Seaxes must turn Lord’s back into a fortress if they are to secure a top-two finish.
