Why did champions Glamorgan slump in One Day Cup?

Henry Hurle's emergence was a bright note in Glamorgan's dismal One Day Cup defence

As title defences go, Glamorgan's did not even get off the starting blocks.

The One Day Cup holders - champions in 2021 and 2024 - won their final group game against Leicestershire but only after six defeats.

It meant they finished bottom of Group A and with a worse net run rate than either Lancashire or Northamptonshire, who were bottom of Group B.

This despite having fewer players called up to the Hundred than many other counties.

"It's disappointing, we haven't played as much good cricket as we needed to," admitted captain Kiran Carlson, who led the county to both titles.

A chastening month was tempered only with the sight of 18-year-olds Tom Norton, on debut, and Romano Franco taking wickets in the single win.

But why were results so different and what consolation can Glamorgan take from the campaign?

Altered priorities

Glamorgan went into the One Day Cup placed second in Division Two of the County Championship, so the 50 overs tournament slipped down the list of priorities.

South African batter Colin Ingram was left on the sidelines in a coaching role, while Championship captain Sam Northeast, mulling over a possible return to his native Kent, was only played twice.

"We've got this team and this format to develop players," said coach David Harrison after the chance of qualifying disappeared.

"Winning twice in four years was huge for everybody involved and the club but we're in a strong (Championship) position going into September, so we've got to make sure the guys who play the format are mentally and physically ready."

The remaining batters did not disgrace themselves, but with little in the way of penetration from the bowling attack, it did not add up to a winning formula.

"There's a lot of high-intensity cricket through the season and guys are always keen to play but we have to have an eye on the Championship," said Carlson, ironically the one man who has played every game of every format in 2025.

Blunt bowling

Glamorgan's bowling in 2024 was based around a consistent seam quartet of Timm van der Gugten, Jamie McIlroy, Dan Douthwaite and Andy Gorvin who picked up a total of 66 wickets at around 20, with useful spin from Ben Kellaway.

But this year Van der Gugten and McIlroy were injured, Douthwaite strangely out of sorts and Gorvin more expensive, while Kellaway was with Welsh Fire, making an immediate impression when belatedly given a chance.

With Mason Crane also at the Hundred, left-arm spinner Franco gained experience.

Veteran James Harris offered control but only played three games, while Zain Ul Hassan was economical and the pace of Ned Leonard sometimes threatening.

But that did not add up to a bowling unit to put pressure on opponents.

"It's very difficult to find the formula. Last year everything worked perfectly well throughout the competition [but] this year we've been searching," said Carlson.

"We've struggled to take wickets, to put in good partnerships [or] be consistent in the field."

Inconsistent batting

Glamorgan's batters had their moments, with 21-year-old Asa Tribe ending as top run-scorer with 401 at an average of 80 and already looking a key man in all formats in his first full season.

He said: "We haven't had enough wickets (standing) at the back end to take control, and we haven't bowled well as a collective. I'm loving every minute (of the season) but especially when we're winning."

Carlson started with 135 against Hampshire but played only one innings of substance after that.

Will Smale produced a mature century at Surrey and a supporting role in the Leicestershire win, while Eddie Byrom averaged 37 as he looked to earn a new contract.

Wicket-keeper Alex Horton showed brief promise with the bat before injury, Henry Hurle had a chance at three and a maiden 50, and Douthwaite provided his usual closing cameos.

But Glamorgan were often left without enough support for the main performer, and their bowling needed a lot more to defend.

Next generation

Tom Norton took three wickets on his debut against Leicestershire

Glamorgan's Championship team has had a decidedly mature look about it in recent years, so the younger generation have to be introduced somewhere to first-team cricket.

"We want to to give opportunities to these young guys like Henry Hurle, Alex Horton, Will Smale, who've been performing in the second team. That was a priority this year," said Carlson.

"It didn't work out in terms of results but the process is right and we still had senior guys playing. Though myself and the senior guys didn't win enough games for the team."

Of the teenagers, Norton grabbed his only opportunity in style while Buckley-bred Franco looks worth nurturing for the medium term, helped by earning the A-level grades to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Favourite format or dog's dinner?

The one-day format, seen as the prime draw for spectators at the turn of the century, appears to be in reasonable health despite the lack of love from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the varying strengths on offer.

Glamorgan opted against using overseas players, but came up against Gloucestershire's Australia opener Cameron Bancroft, Pakistan captain Shan Masood and India's hotly-tipped youngster Tilak Varma.

Yet still spectators turn up in numbers around the country, particularly at out-grounds and at the county headquarters not hosting the Hundred.

While the franchises take the advertising millions, the TV exposure and the top players, the One Day Cup will continue to enjoy its own peculiar hybrid role in cricket's crazy calendar.