Lategan raring to rip into 2026 One Day Cup
After bursting onto the scene in last year’s unforgettable Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign, teenage star Dan Lategan says his Worcestershire teammates are “thriving” on the eve of the 2026 tournament opener.
Beginning their title defence at home to Derbyshire Falcons, the Rapids will be eager to replicate last summer’s group stage form, which saw the side lose just one game, after a gripping opening day tie away at Nottinghamshire.
Faultless from then onwards however, Alan Richardson’s men gelled in remarkable fashion, capturing the essence of One Day Cup cricket in a harmonious and equally competitive manner that saw the team lift their first piece of List A silverware in 18 years.
Surging his name into the limelight midway through the group stages, Dan took his chance with both hands, becoming a mainstay of the team for the remainder of the competition with countless eye-catching knocks along the way.
Buoyed by the fairytale ending to his first summer in professional cricket, Worcestershire’s young-pro can’t wait to start the title defence.
“I really enjoy fifty over cricket, so it is a competition I am really looking forward to getting started and hopefully it is a good one for the team.
“There might be a bit of pressure on us, but I think we are fine with that. To be honest, as the holders we take massive pride in that and we are going into defend it!
“It will be a great occasion at New Road against Derbyshire, and home form is something that we pride ourselves on so hopefully that can play in our favour.
“Last year was a great memory, but we want to back it up and go back-to-back.”