County by County Guide to 2007

FIRST DIVISION

DURHAM

Director of cricket Geoff Cook.

Captain Dale Benkenstein.

Whether they can withstand the semi-permanent loss of the elder Harmison and Collingwood (and Plunkett could also get the call), not to mention the permanent departure of coach Martyn Moxon, is debatable. Runs should not be a problem with Di Venuto joining forces with Benkenstein, but over the season they may find First Division survival a struggle.

This season: CCI.

Last season: CCI 7th; Pro40 I 8th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas player: Michael di Venuto (Aus)

In Mitchell Claydon (Yorks), di Venuto (Derbys), Will Gidman, Will Smith (Notts), Paul Wiseman. Out Jimmy Maher (Glam), Mark Turner (Som), Mick Lewis, Graeme Bridge, Jon Lewis, James Lowe, Gary Pratt (all rel).

HAMPSHIRE

Director of cricket Tim Tremlett.

Captain Shane Warne.

Serious Championship challengers. Lumb will stiffen the upper order and, together with the prolific Crawley, should provide a formidable run machine. Adams needs to build on last summer. The Australian Clarke will be good for lots of wickets on the Rose Bowl pitches. If Tremlett stays injury-free he could be called to higher things but there is also Bruce, and Warne will be fully focused on Hampshire now following his Test retirement.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 3rd; Pro40 II 3rd; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Warne, Stuart Clark (both Aus).

In Michael Lumb (Yorks). Out Richard Logan (Northants), Jono McLean, Dominic Thornely (both rel).

KENT

Director of cricket Graham Ford (SA).

Captain:Robert Key.

Yasir Arafat is a shrewd signing, Hall will give his all with bat and ball and McLaren is a useful all-rounder. They need to score their runs more quickly this summer. Last year they managed maximum batting points on just three occasions and picked up four points only twice. On paper they are title contenders. Fulton has gone, now Denly must take his chance.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 5th; Pro40 II 5th; Twenty20 quarter-finals.

Overseas players Andrew Hall (SA), Yasir Arafat (Pak).

In Ryan McLaren (SA, Kolpak), Dominic Chambers, Paul Dixey, Sam Northeast. Out Simon Cusden (Derbys), Niall O'Brien (N'hants), David Stiff (Leics), Rob Ferley (Notts), David Fulton (ret), Matthew Dennington.

LANCASHIRE

Cricket manager Mike Watkinson.

Captain Mark Chilton.

The third of the front-runners in the title chase and with Muralitharan on board they will be an even more potent force - and in every competition. Chilton's captaincy looks astute, but he needs to rediscover his batting touch: the same is true of Sutcliffe. But Law, Loye and Sutton will also supply runs, and Cork, Chapple, Keedy and Smith will be on hand to pick off the scraps of opposition innings that Murali leaves for them.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 2nd; Pro40 I 6th; ECB Trophy final; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Brad Hodge (Aus), Muttiah Muralitharan (S Lanka).

In Muralitharan. Out Andrew Crook (Northants), Murali Kartik (Middx), Nathan Astle (rel).

SURREY

Cricket manager Alan Butcher.

Captain Mark Butcher.

The all-singing, all-dancing south London entertainment troupe has returned to the First Division bristling with intent. Bicknell has gone, so much depends on Ormond and the imported seamers. Surrey will again turn to spin, which last year accounted for 136 Championship wickets, and are prepared to field three at a time. Ramprakash, Brown, Butcher, Newman, Batty and Clarke are all accomplished run-makers. Title outsiders.

This season CCI.

Last season CCII 1st; Pro40 II 4th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 semi-finals.

Overseas players Steve Magoffin (early season), Matthew Nicholson (both Aus), Azhar Mahmood (Pak).

In Nicholson, Magoffin, Chris Schofield. Out Martin Bicknell (ret), Anil Kumble (rel), Tim Murtagh (Middx).

SUSSEX

Cricket manager Mark Robinson

Captain Chris Adams

It is difficult to see the Kings being overthrown. If Saqlain gets fit and hits form they will surely be unstoppable, given the attack the off-spinner will be joining - Mushtaq, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Lewry. But they could do with more runs - a lot more runs. Maximum batting points just five times (they dropped just one bowling bonus point throughout the whole of last season's Championship) last season tells its own story.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 1st; Pro40 I 3rd; ECB Trophy winners; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Mushtaq Ahmed, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (both Pak).

In Chris Liddle (Leics), Saqlain Mushtaq (Irl, Eng qual in June), Tom Smith. Out Yasir Arafat (Kent), Tim Linley (rel).

WARWICKSHIRE

Director of cricket Mark Greatbatch. (NZ)

Captain Heath Streak.

They need more consistency and a lot more runs, but Maddy should make a muscular impact. They are also desperate for wickets. Streak topped the lot with a modest 40, although Harris is good for plenty based on his eight-match contribution last summer. They will hope Naqqash can stay fit and Steyn can weigh in with some.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 4th; Pro40 I 5th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Kumar Sangakkara (S Lanka), Paul Harris, Dale Steyn (both SA).

In: Sangakkara, Steyn, Darren Maddy (Leics), Michael Barnes, Stuart Holes, Chris Woakes, James Ord. Out Nick Knight, Tony Frost (both ret), Mark Wagh (Notts), Moeen Munir Ali (Worcs).

WORCESTERSHIRE

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes.

Captain Vikram Solanki .

Whether left-arm seamer Bollinger will have them breaking out the bubbly remains to be seen. They will miss Zaheer, but Mason, Kabir, Batty and Sillence all offer useful wickets. Runs should not be too much of a problem either, not with Jaques smashing everyone to all parts. And do not write off the ageless Hick,now eighth in the all-time career list for hundreds with 132.

This season CCI.

Last season CCII 2nd; Pro40 II 2nd; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Doug Bollinger, Phil Jaques (both Aus).

In Bracken, Moeen Munir Ali (Warwicks), Alexei Kervezee (Netherlands). Out Zaheer Khan, Lou Vincent (both rel).

YORKSHIRE

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon.

Captain Darren Gough.

Life under Gough is fun at Headingley, according to Hoggard. Moxon has been tempted back, McGrath has decided to stay on, and Younis Khan has joined up. With Rudolph in the mix this looks like a serious all-round squad. The attack needs more wickets, but, even without Lehmann and Lumb, runs should be plentiful. A good outside bet for honours.

This season CCI.

Last season CCI 6th; Pro40 II 9th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 quarter-finals.

Overseas players Jason Gillespie (Aus), Younis Khan (Pak).

In Gough (Essex), Jacques Rudolph (SA Kolpak), Younis Khan (Pak). Out Richard Blakey (ret), Darren Lehmann, Michael Lumb (Hants), Mitchell Claydon (Durham), Richard Dawson (N'hants), John Blain (rel).

SECOND DIVISION

DERBYSHIRE

Director of cricket Dave Houghton.

Captain Simon Katich.

There was evidence of steel last season: they even did the unthinkable and led the Second Division for two dizzy rounds in May, and ultimately were rewarded with their highest finish of the last six years. The addition of Katich and Harvey should add Aussie attitude. Weston will also bring consistency to the top order.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 5th, Pro40 II 8th, ECB Trophy group stage; Twenty20 group stage.

Overseas players Travis Birt, Simon Katich (both Aus).

In Katich, Ian Harvey (Glos; now Eng qual), Simon Cusden (Kent), Philip Weston (Glos), Boyd Rankin, Dan Birch. Out Steffan Jones (Som), Di Venuto (Durham), Richard Browning (Northants), Lee Goddard, Andy Gray, Mo Sheikh, Ben France (all rel).

ESSEX

Coaches Graham Gooch (batting); Ian Pont (bowling).

Captain Ronnie Irani.

Essex have coped with the loss of Cook to England but if Bopara goes as well, things might get tough as far as run-getting goes. Chopra looked potent at times last year, and Pettini had his best season to date and they always have the old reliables, Irani and the Flowers. They might well miss Gough's wickets, but Kaneria, Bichel and Adams should supply plenty among them.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 3rd; Pro40 I 1st; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 semi-final.

Overseas players Andre Nel (SA), Andy Bichel (Aus), Danish Kaneria (Pak).

In Nel, Darren Thomas (Glam), Jahid Ahmed. Out Will Jefferson (Notts), Darren Gough (Yorks), Ashley Cowan (ret).

GLAMORGAN

Coach Adrian Shaw.

Captain David Hemp.

The Aussie batsmen, Elliott first, then Maher, should repay the supporters in runs for the whip-round among members which allowed impoverished Glamorgan to employ an overseas player, but with Jones on England duty the moment his fitness has been established, it leaves them short of wickets and they are likely to remain bogged down in the lower tier of the Championship, although in the one-day version they have trophy potential.

This season CCII.

Last season CCI 8th; Pro40 I 7th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Matthew Elliott (early season), Jimmy Maher (both Aus).

In Maher (Durham), Elliott. Out Darren Thomas (Essex), Mark Cosgrove, James Franklin, Brendon McCullum (all rel).

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Coach Mark Alleyne.

Captain Jon Lewis.

Even without Weston the batting looks solid, exciting even in the one-day game, but with the exception of Lewis, last season's wickets came at too high a price. Kirby's 49 cost 40 apiece while Hardinges' 23 came at an average of 43.95. Being denied Gul is a blow. There has to be a general tightening upif they want promotion.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 7th; Pro40 II 1st; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 quarter-finals.

Overseas players Hamish Marshall (NZ), Ashley Noffke, Marcus North (both Aus).

In Anthony Ireland (Zim, Kolpak), William Porterfield (Irl; trial), Noffke, North (Derbys), Vikram Bannerjee (Camb U). Out Phil Weston (Derbys), James Averis, Martyn Ball, Matt Windows (all ret), Ian Harvey (Derbys).

LEICESTERSHIRE

Senior coach Tim Boon.

Captain Jeremy Snape.

Inconsistent batting cost them last year. Once again the attack looks strong, especially with the addition of R P Singh and Mansoor Amjad. There is also Broad, but the first glimmer of form from him is likely to see him whisked into the England squad. Maddy will be missed, but Ackerman should find support from Robinson, Sadler and Allenby.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 4th; Pro40 II 6th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 winners.

Overseas players R P Singh (India), Mansoor Amjad (Pak).

In Mansoor Amjad, R P Singh, David Stiff (Kent), Jigar Kumar H Naik, Daniel Rowe, Nicholas Walker. Out Aftab Habib, Alamgir Sheriyar (both ret), Darren Maddy (Warwicks), Chris Liddle (Sussex), Dinesh Mongia, Mohammad Asif, Adrian Griffith, Steve Clark (all rel).

MIDDLESEX

Director of cricket John Emburey.

Captain Ed Smith.

A shift at the top sees Richard Pybus installed as coach and Emburey promoted to director of cricket. Vaas, Kartik and the returning Johnson should add bite to the attack. Murtagh might come on apace away from his comfort zone at Surrey, and the awesome batting, which saw four players pass 1,000 Championship runs last season, should improve on last season's record of just one win. Promotion possibles.

This season CCII.

Last season CCI 9th; Pro40 I 9th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Chaminder Vaas (S Lanka), Murali Kartik (India).

In Vaas, Kartik (Lancs), Tim Murtagh (Surrey), Richard Johnson (Som). Out Melvyn Betts (ret), Johann Louw, Scott Styris, Mo Ali, (all rel), Paul Weekes (ret).

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Director of cricket David Capel.

Captain David Sales.

After Capel replaced Wessels there was a distinct lift in spirit and performance last season, which will surely continue this summer. That and a raft of useful close-season signings should see them mount a far more serious bid for promotion. Sales needs to turn fifties into hundreds, but overall they have plenty of runs in them to do it.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 6th; Pro40 I 2nd; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 quarter-finals.

Overseas players Chris Rogers, (Aus), Johannes van der Wath (SA).

In Van der Wath, Richard Dawson (Yorks), Richard Logan (Hants), Niall O'Brien (Kent), Michael Browning (Derbys), Andrew Crook (Lancs), David Lucas. Out Matthew Nicholson (Surrey), Bilal Shafayat (Notts), Ben Phillips (Som).

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Director of cricket Mike Newell.

Captain Stephen Fleming.

They did penthouse to outhouse in a season with no major changes to personnel. That has changed over the winter. A clutch of retirements and departures has made room for some seasoned run-makers, among them Jefferson (6ft 10in), whose presence will mean that with Shreck (6ft 7in) they have the two tallest players around.

This season CCII.

Last season CCI 8th; Pro40 I 4th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 final.

Overseas players Fleming (NZ), David Hussey (Aus).

In Will Jefferson (Essex), Bilal Shafayat (N'hants), Mark Wagh (Warwicks), Rob Ferley (Kent), Josh Mierkalns. Out Darren Bicknell, Russell Warren, Anurag Singh, Wayne Noon (all ret), Will Smith (Durham), Paul McMahon, Greg Smith (both rel).

SOMERSET

Coach Andy Hurry.

Captain Justin Langer.

Langer's cameo appearance last summer saw him score 390 runs in three innings, suggesting even greater things for the new Somerset captain over a whole season, especially on the genial Taunton tracks. But the Aussie should also bring a cutting edge attitude and tactical nous. The return of Jones and addition of Phillips will add to the attack. Promotion possibles.

This season CCII.

Last season CCII 9th, Pro40 II 7th; ECB Trophy group; Twenty20 group.

Overseas players Justin Langer, Cameron White (both Aus).

In Langer, Craig Kieswetter (SA, Eng qual), Steffan Jones (Derbys), Mark Turner (Durham), Ben Phillips (Northants). Out Richard Johnson (Middx), Simon Francis, Michael Parsons (both rel).

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