The Metro Bank One‑Day Cup continues as Warwickshire welcome Kent Spitfires to Rugby School in Warwickshire. The out‑ground fixture, scheduled to begin at 11:00 BST on 13 August 2025 (15:30 IST), is part of Group B. Rugby School is the birthplace of the rugby code and provides a picturesque setting for one‑day cricket. The Bears hope to build on a morale‑boosting win while the Spitfires look to arrest a slide.
Form Guide
Warwickshire
Warwickshire bounced back from an opening defeat to Yorkshire with a commanding victory over Northamptonshire. Electing to bat at Edgbaston, they piled up 291 runs as Alex Davies anchored the innings with a brilliant 123, while Kai Smith and Michael Booth contributed vital half‑centuries. Their bowlers then strangled Northamptonshire to 238 for eight, sealing a 62‑run win. Those results leave them mid‑table but brimming with confidence.
- Recovered from a heavy defeat against Yorkshire by beating Northamptonshire by 62 runs, posting 291 and restricting the Steelbacks to 238.
- Alex Davies leads their run charts with 138 runs in two innings and an impressive average of 69.
- Bowlers like Michael Booth (three wickets at 3.71 economy) and Jake Lintott have provided control at the death.
Kent Spitfires
Kent have endured a difficult start to their campaign. They lost their opening match and then suffered another defeat to Durham at Beckenham. Batting first, Kent managed 238 for eight thanks to Jack Leaning’s unbeaten 68, Ben Compton’s 55 and Ekansh Singh’s 45. However their bowlers could only take three wickets as Durham cruised past the target. Overall, their battises to begin the competition, including a seven‑wicket defeat to Durham after posting 238.
- Top‑order batters Jack Leaning and Ben Compton have shown flashes of form but the middle order has been unreliable.
- Bowling unit is missing key players due to injuries and The Hundred; only three wickets taken in their last match.
Key Players
Warwickshire
- Alex Davies: The wicket‑keeper‑batter has been Warwickshire’s standout performer. He scored a century (123) and averages 69 in the tournament so far, leading their run charts. His ability to pace the innings will be vital.
- Michael Booth: An emerging fast bowler, Booth has three wickets in two matches at an economy rate of just 3.71. His control with the new ball and variations at the death make him a key weapon.
- Kai Smith: The young wicketkeeper‑batter is a player to watch. He smashed an unbeaten 130 from 104 balls in last season’s competition and his freedom and power can transform matches.
Kent Spitfires
- Ben Compton: The left‑handed opener bounced back from a poor first game to hit a half‑century (55) against Durham. Averaging 33 after two innings, he is expected to anchor Kent’s batting.
- Jack Leaning: Kent’s captain in the absence of Sam Billings, Leaning top‑scored with an unbeaten 68 against Durham and leads their run charts with 105 runs. His experience will be vital to stabilise the middle order.
- Matt Parkinson: The leg‑spinner took two wickets with an economy rate of 6.75 in Kent’s last match and is their most threatening bowler. On a slower pitch he could be decisive.
arnard has described it as a “wonderful setting” and noted that the pitch “played well last year”. Recent games have produced varied totals: Warwickshire scored over 300 against Surrey on this surface, but a match against Yorkshire saw them restricted to under 250 with only three sixes hit. Expect a slightly slow wicket that rewards patient batting and accurate bowling. Fast bowlers can gain assistance early on, while spinners come into play as the ball ages.
The weather in Warwickshire in mid‑August is typically warm and dry. Forecasts suggest clear to partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 23–27 °C and a light breeze. The chance of significant rain is low, so spectators should enjoy a full day’s play.
Warwickshire vs Kent Spitfires – Prediction
Warwickshire hold a 2–1 advantage over Kent in recent head‑to‑head meetings and come into this game with momentum. Their batting, spearheaded by Alex Davies and supported by a deep all‑round contingent, looks more settled than Kent’s misfiring top order. Kent are missing several key players due to injuries and commitments in The Hundred, and their bowling has struggled to take wickets. Unless Ben Compton and Jack Leaning can produce a substantial partnership and Matt Parkinson spins a web, the Bears should make home advantage count.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Alex Davies (WAR): In red‑hot form with 138 runs and a century, he offers a safe captaincy choice.
- Ben Compton (KEN): Kent’s most reliable batter, Compton’s ability to occupy the crease and convert starts makes him a valuable fantasy pick.
- Michael Booth (WAR): With tight lines and a knack for wickets, Booth can deliver crucial fantasy points, especially at an out‑ground that rewards accuracy.
Fans in Rugby can look forward to an entertaining one‑day contest in a historic setting. With Warwickshire’s blend of youth and experience up against a Kent side desperate for a first win, this clash promises plenty of twists and turns.
