Lancashire have strengthened their squad for the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast by securing the signing of experienced Australian batter Ben McDermott. The 31-year-old right-hander will be available for the entire duration of the competition, a factor that played a major role in the county’s decision to bring him to Old Trafford.
McDermott is no stranger to English conditions or the T20 Blast, having previously represented Hampshire Hawks across multiple seasons. His return to county cricket comes after years of consistent performances across the world’s leading domestic T20 tournaments, making him one of the most seasoned overseas players to feature in the 2026 Blast.
Over the course of his career, McDermott has amassed more than 3,000 runs in Australia’s Big Bash League, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most reliable top-order batters. His attacking style, adaptability, and experience in high-pressure situations have made him a sought-after player on the global T20 circuit.
In addition to his exploits in the Big Bash, McDermott has featured in several major franchise leagues, including The Hundred in England, South Africa’s SA20, the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi T10, Hong Kong Sixes, and the Global Super League. This exposure to a wide range of playing conditions and bowling styles has helped shape him into a versatile and tactically aware batter.
Speaking after the announcement, McDermott expressed his enthusiasm about joining Lancashire and returning to the T20 Blast, a competition he holds in high regard.
“The Blast is a tournament I’ve always loved playing in during my previous time in England with Hampshire,” McDermott said. “I’m really looking forward to heading to Manchester, getting to know the group, and contributing as much as I can to what I hope will be a very successful T20 season for the club.”
McDermott’s record in the T20 Blast underlines why Lancashire were keen to secure his services. Between 2022 and 2024, he made 44 appearances for Hampshire, scoring 1,138 runs and registering an impressive 10 half-centuries. His consistency at the top of the order and ability to accelerate during the middle overs made him a key figure for the Hawks during that period.
One of the standout moments of his time with Hampshire came in the 2022 T20 Blast final at Edgbaston, where McDermott played a decisive innings of 62 runs from just 36 balls. That knock proved crucial as Hampshire edged past Lancashire by a single run in a dramatic final, a performance that will not have been forgotten by supporters on either side.
Beyond domestic cricket, McDermott has also represented Australia at international level, earning 30 caps across one-day internationals and T20 internationals. While he has often found competition for places fierce in a strong Australian setup, his international experience adds further value to Lancashire’s squad, particularly in terms of leadership and game awareness.
Ben McDermott is the son of former Australia fast bowler Craig McDermott, one of the most feared pace bowlers of the 1990s. While his father made his name with the ball, Ben has carved out his own reputation as a dynamic batter capable of adapting to different roles within a T20 lineup.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, highlighted McDermott’s versatility as a major reason behind the signing. He noted that while McDermott has spent much of his career batting in the top three, he has also shown a strong ability to succeed in middle-order roles in recent seasons.
“Ben offers a lot of flexibility in T20 cricket,” Chilton explained. “He’s opened the batting and played in the top order for much of his career, but more recently he’s been very effective batting at four or five. He also has an excellent record against spin, which is a key asset in this format.”
Chilton also stressed that McDermott’s full availability for the competition was a significant factor. With international call-ups and overlapping leagues often disrupting overseas signings, securing a player who can commit to the entire tournament provides stability and continuity.
“Availability was one of our main priorities,” Chilton added. “Knowing that Ben will be with us for the whole Blast meant he ticked a lot of boxes. He quickly rose to the top of our shortlist.”
Lancashire have been aiming to add proven T20 quality to their squad as they look to challenge strongly in the 2026 season. McDermott’s arrival is expected to bolster their batting depth and provide valuable experience in pressure moments, particularly during knockout stages.
His familiarity with English conditions, combined with his extensive franchise cricket background, should allow him to settle quickly into Lancashire’s setup. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in red rose colours, especially given his previous heroics against the county in the 2022 final.
As the 2026 T20 Blast approaches, Lancashire’s recruitment of McDermott signals clear intent. With a blend of overseas experience and domestic talent, the club will be hoping this addition helps push them toward silverware in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.
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