 |
| Wayne Madsen |
One-to-watch: Ben Slater - A remarkably gifted batsman. The 23-year-old accumulated 646 runs last season, scoring two centuries in the same match against Leicestershire in the final game of the season.
Prediction: 3rd Division Two: Derbyshire are one of many teams in the second division who may go under the radar this summer. They have a good all-round team but a lack of experienced and quality players could limit their bid for promotion.
Overseas player: Martin Guptill (New Zealand); Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Nathan Rimmington (Australia, T20)
Ins: Shiv Thakor (Leicestershire), Wayne White (Lancashire), Will Davis, Adam Wheatcroft, Harry White (Youth) Outs: Tim Groenewald (Somerset), Mark Turner (Released), Matt Higginbottom (Released), Gareth Cross (Released)
 |
| Wayne White has made a permanent move to Derbyshire from Lancashire. |
 |
| Scott Borthwick |
Durham:
Key Player: Scott Borthwick - Another key season for the Durham all-rounder who will be looking to impress across the board in order to clinch international recognition. He scored 1,137 runs and claimed 13 wickets last season, the latter figure will need improvement if an England call is in his future.One-to-watch: Keaton Jennings - The 22-year-old batsman is regarded highly by the Durham supporters and he scored 693 runs last season at the top of the order, but he will be looking to improve on that figure this year in order to live up to his potential.
Prediction: 5th Division One: It is an incredibly tough league and Durham are no more likely to fall into a relegation dogfight than the battle for the title. A mid-table finish would be respectable, but players like Graham Onions and Chris Rushworth could make or break their campaign.
Overseas player: John Hastings (Australia)
Ins: None Outs: Gareth Breese (Released)
 |
| Keaton Jennings is a dependable opener for Durham. |
 |
| Jesse Ryder |
One-to-watch: Tom Westley - A return of 705 Championship runs was a step in the right direction, although Westley will also be aiming to develop his attributes as a spin bowler this season.
Prediction: 2nd Division Two: Essex came within a handful of points of promotion last year and 2015 may finally reward a very consistent team with what they deserve. They have most areas covered, Panesar can be the wicket-taking spinner and they have a number of experienced players such as James Foster and David Masters, who will be key, as well as Jesse Ryder, a hard-hitting opponent for any opposition.
Overseas player: Jesse Ryder (New Zealand), Shaun Tait (Australia, T20)
Ins: Callum Taylor (Youth), Liam Gough (Trial), Aron Nijjar (Trial), Saf Imtiaz (Trial) Outs: Ben Foakes (Surrey), Tymal Mills (Sussex) Sajid Mahmood (Released), Tom Craddock (Released), Tim Phillips (Retired)
 |
| Tom Westley wants to deliver with bat and ball for Essex. |
Glamorgan:
 |
| Jacques Rudolph |
Key Player: Jacques Rudolph - As one of the counties leading run-scorers last season, the South African will be a key figure in 2015. He has a great deal of experience in the English game, enjoying spells at Yorkshire and Surrey before joining Glamorgan. He scored 857 runs last season.
One-to-watch: Andrew Salter - Tipped as a promising off-spinner, Salter will be looking to improve on a humble return of four wickets from last season, although he only played four matches, so perhaps the 23-year-old needs more time to replicate the likes of Robert Croft.
Prediction: 7th Division Two: Glamorgan have one of the smallest squads on the county circuit and some of the players to have left the club this summer have left sizeable gaps. The likes of Jim Allenby and Murray Goodwin were vital in previous seasons and it is hard to see how they are going to compete.
Overseas player: Jacques Rudolph (South Africa)
Ins: James Kettleborough (Northants), Craig Meschede (Somerset, season-long loan), Colin Ingram (Kolpak) Outs: Murray Goodwin (Retired), Gareth Rees (Retired), Stewart Walters (Released), Tom Lancefield (Released), Mike Reed (Released), Jim Allenby (Somerset)
 |
| The departure of Jim Allenby will hit Glamorgan hard. |
 |
| Michael Klinger |
Gloucestershire:
Key Player: Michael Klinger - The Australian has been the captain of Gloucestershire since 2012 and as their leader, he will be an important part of a club in transition. He is a true professional and is able to adapt his batting style to suit different formats. One must also admire how he plays cricket, virtually, all year round and this should be beneficial to Gloucestershire. He scored 490 runs in the Championship last season.One-to-watch: Will Tavare scored 953 runs last year and since Alex Gidman's move to Worcestershire, he could be considered as the club's most prominent figure with the bat, a responsibility that the 25-year-old must relish in order to give Gloucestershire a chance of competing.
Prediction: 8th Division Two: The backbone of the Gloucestershire squad, the Gidman brothers, has been lost rather abruptly and with such important figures absent, it is difficult to see how they are going to match-up in a tough division.
Overseas player: Michael Klinger (Australia)
Ins: Tom Hampton (Buckinghamshire), Kieran Noema-Barnett (UK Passport), Geraint Jones (Kent), Peter Handscomb (UK Passport) Outs: Will Gidman (Nottinghamshire), Alex Gidman (Worcestershire), Graeme McCarter (Released), Dan Housego (Released), Tom Shrewsbury (Released)
 |
| Will Gidman has moved to Nottinghamshire. |
Hampshire:
 |
| James Vince |
One-to-watch: Brad Taylor - At the tender age of 18, Taylor is a promising spinner who made his Championship debut against Lancashire in 2013, becoming the youngest player to play in Hampshire's first team. Regular appearances have eluded him thus far, but he is one for the future, that is for sure.
Prediction: 7th Division One: Hampshire stormed the second Division last year and have made improvements to their squad with the intention of surviving more than one season in the top flight. They will more than likely be involved in the fight for relegation, but they have a number of experienced players and also some of the best players on the county circuit, as well as a fantastic coach in Dale Benkenstein.
Overseas player: Jackson Bird (Australia), Fidel Edwards (West Indies), Yasir Arafat (Pakistan, Limited overs)
Ins: Andre Adams (Nottinghamshire as player-coach),Yasir Arafat (Sussex), Gareth Berg (Middlesex) Outs: David Balcombe (Surrey), Michael Bates (Released), Ruel Brathwaite (released), Matt Coles (Kent)
 |
| Matt Coles has gone back to Kent this winter |
Kent:
 |
| Darren Stevens |
One-to-watch: Adam Riley - There has been a lot of talk about this talented spin bowler. It may be too soon to mention his name in the context of an international call-up, given that he is yet to test himself against the best players in county cricket, but a return of 48 wickets last year was a sign of his abilities.
Prediction: 6th Division Two: Kent are yet to establish a quality all-round side, but the signing of Joe Denly will provide a welcome boost to the batting department. The absence of an overseas player, however, is concerning and despite a number of young and talented players, such as Adam Riley, Sam Billings and Sam Northeast and Kent will therefore struggle to contest for promotion.
Overseas player: None
Ins: Sam Weller (Youth), Ryan Davies (Youth), Joe Denly (Middlesex), Matt Coles (Hampshire) Outs: Geraint Jones (Gloucestershire), Mark Davies (Retired)
 |
| Joe Denly has moved to Kent from Middlesex. |
 |
| Tom Smith |
One-to-watch: Tom Bailey - Injuries to several Lancashire seamers afforded Bailey with the opportunity to play a handful of matches, but in a new era at Old Trafford, he should be a regular first team player this season.
Prediction: 1st Division Two: Anything other than promotion would be seen as a failure for Lancashire and with a number of talented players of all ages they can and should be competing for the Division Two title. The absence of Kyle Hogg and Kabir Ali will be tough to overcome, but Peter Siddle should be a real handful in the second division, although his Ashes call-up has left the club with a dilemma. Ashwell Prince and Alviro Petersen should be able to pile on the runs and they have a quality spinner in Simon Kerrigan.
Overseas player: Peter Siddle (Australia)
Ins: Nathan Buck (Leicestershire), Haseeb Hameed, Matthew Parkinson, Saqib Mahmood (Youth), George Edwards (Surrey), Alviro Petersen (Somerset, Kolpak) Outs: Andrea Agathangelou, Oliver Newby, Kabir Ali (Released), Wayne White (Derbyshire)
 |
| Siddle is available for a maximum of four matches after being selected by Australia. |
 |
| Niall O'Brien |
One-to-watch: Angus Robson - The 22-year-old brother of Sam Robson had an excellent four-day campaign in 2014, scoring 1,086 runs at an average of 36.20.
Prediction: 9th Division Two: County crickets whipping boys have gone an astonishing 32 matches since their last Championship victory in the 2012 season and until they are able to shake this association with failure, they will continue occupy ninth place in Division Two.
Overseas player: Clint McKay (Australia), Grant Elliott (New Zealand, T20), Kevin O'Brien (Ireland, T20)
Ins: Aadil Ali, Zak Chappell, Neil Pinner (Youth), Mark Cosgrove (UK Passport) Outs: Shiv Thakor (Derbyshire), Nathan Buck (Lancashire), Josh Cobb (Northants), Greg Smith (Nottinghamshire), Anthony Ireland (Released), Michael Thornely (Released)
 |
| Josh Cobb has moved to Northamptonshire. |
Middlesex:
 |
| Dawid Malan |
One-to-watch: Ravi Patel - The 23-year-old left-arm spinner received an England Lions call up after a positive limited-overs campaign for Middlesex, although he will be looking to improve on his form in the four-day game.
Prediction: 8th Division Two: Middlesex narrowly avoided relegation last season and if some of their more experienced players do not find form they will be at risk of relegation once more. They have a squad capable of achieving much higher, but last year proved that experience does not always guarantee success as they took the subject of relegation to the final day of the season, a situation they hope to avoid in 2015.
Overseas player: Adam Voges (Australia)
Ins: Max Holden, George Scott, Robbie White (Youth), Nick Compton (Somerset), James Franklin (New Zealand EU passport) Outs: Gareth Berg (Hampshire), Adam Rossington (Northants), Ollie Wilkin (Released), Joe Denly (Kent)
 |
| Ravi Patel is an exciting young bowler at Middlesex. |
Northamptonshire:
 |
| Mohammad Azharullah |
One-to-watch: Olly Stone - The 21-year-old pace bowler has been given a handful of opportunities in the first team and claimed 19 wickets in five Championship matches last year. He bowls with pace and can get the ball to swing prodigiously, particularly in early season conditions.
Prediction: 5th Division Two: Northamptonshire were comfortably relegated from Division One last season and failed to win a single match. They have lost three highly experienced players in Andrew Hall, David Sales and James Middlebrook, all to retirement and so an immediate return to Division One would be far too much to ask of a young and small squad.
Overseas player: Rory Kleinveldt (South Africa), Shahid Afridi (Pakistan, T20)
Ins: Josh Cobb (Leicestershire), Adam Rossington (Middlesex), Saif Zaib (Youth), Richard Levi (Kolpak) Outs: Andrew Hall, James Middlebrook (Released), Matthew Spriegel, David Sales (Retired), James Kettleborough (Glamorgan)
 |
| Richard Levi is back for another season at Northants. |
 |
| Samit Patel. |
Nottinghamshire:
Key Player: Samit Patel - An experienced all-rounder who has given so much to Nottinghamshire. He has been spurned by the international selectors, but this has been to the benefit of the Trent Bridge faithful. A return of 1,098 runs and 22 wickets demonstrated his ability to impact on the game with bat and ball, although he would have liked more wickets as a frontline spin option.One-to-watch: Jake Ball - Although he has not played a great deal of four-day cricket for Nottinghamshire, he is a consistent performer when he is given the opportunity, taking nine wickets in four matches last season.
Prediction: 1st Division One: Nottinghamshire are certainly one of the most consistent teams in four-day cricket and have a number of quality players at the club, who have experience of winning the Championship before. They may be victims of their own success if people like James Taylor are with the England squad for long spells, but they have made signings to ensure that they have adequate cover and their overseas signings show that they mean business, as they hope to win the title for the first time since 2010.
Overseas player: Vernon Philander (South Africa), Ben Hilfenhaus (Australia), Darren Sammy (West Indies, T20)
Ins: Will Gidman (Gloucestershire), Greg Smith (Leicestershire), Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe, Kolpak) Outs: Andre Adams (Hampshire), Sam Kelsall, Phil Jaques (Released), Ajmal Shahzad (Sussex)
 |
| Andre Adams has moved on after eight seasons at the club. |
 |
| Peter Trego. |
Somerset:
Key Player: Peter Trego - The all-rounder was a valuable contributor last year, particularly with the ball, as he claimed 49 wickets. The 33-year-old also made 644 runs and is fast becoming one of the more experienced players at the club.One-to-watch: Craig Overton - Overton has already come so far in his short career, claiming 40 wickets last year at the tender age of 20. He is also a capable batsman, hitting a highest score of 99 against Lancashire last year and his incredible season earned him an England Lions call-up.
Prediction: 6th Division One: Somerset's four-day exploits were underwhelming last season and the departure of Compton and Petersen leaves a hefty gap in their batting department. However, they are unlikely to become involved in a relegation battle and they have made a number of impressive signings in order to compensate for those who have moved on.
Overseas player: Abdur Rehman (Pakistan), Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan, T20), Corey Anderson (New Zealand, T20), Chris Gayle (West Indies, T20)
Ins: Tim Groenewald (Derbyshire), Ollie Sale, Tim Rouse, Sam Wyatt-Haines (Youth), Jim Allenby (Glamorgan), Tom Cooper (EU Passport) Outs: James Burke (Surrey), Nick Compton (Middlesex), Craig Meschede (Glamorgan, season-long loan), Alviro Petersen (Lancashire, Kolpak)
 |
| Craig Overton is only 20 but he claimed 40 wickets last season. |
 |
| Kevin Pietersen. |
Surrey:
Key Player: Kevin Pietersen - Having something to prove and something to play for could inspire KP to do great things this summer. Whether you love or despise him, Pietersen is undoubtedly one of the best batsman to have played the game and, if he plays regularly, Surrey could be a dangerous team.One-to-watch: Tom Curran - The South-African-born pace bowler claimed 16 wickets in six Championship matches last season. He is only 20 years old, but with George Edwards leaving for Lancashire and Tom Jewell being released, he is likely to benefit and get more opportunities in the first team.
Prediction: 4th Division Two: The same issue that faces Surrey every season remains their biggest problem this year. The Oval produces quality pitches for batting conditions, but taking 20 wickets on a regular basis is not nearly as easy as posting scores of 400 or more. Surrey have a certain Kevin Pietersen in their ranks and one of the best players to have ever graced a cricket field in Kumar Sangakkara, but the bowling department lacks even a degree of the same threat and no strides have been made to resolve this recurring issue.
Overseas player: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Ins: Ben Foakes (Essex), James Burke (Somerset), David Balcombe (Hampshire) Outs: Tom Jewell, Jack Winslade (Released), George Edwards (Lancashire)
 |
| Kumar Sangakkara is Surrey's overseas player this season. |
 |
| Steve Magoffin. |
Sussex:
Key Player: Steve Magoffin - The Australian has been the devastating bowler Sussex needed in a post Mushtaq Ahmed era. He has claimed an astonishing 192 first-class wickets in the three seasons, with his season-by-season tallies increasing to an impressive return of 72 victims last year.One-to-watch: Craig Cachopa - Although he only played in five matches towards the end of the season, Cachopa was an instant hit with the Sussex fans. He is an eye-catching batsman who swings from the hip and despite his slightly risky approach he was rewarded with 441 runs at an average of 49.00.
Prediction: 3rd Division One: They have quality in all departments and there is no reason why Sussex could not go all the way this season. Magoffin is a real leader with the ball and Sussex have some of the most talented batsmen on the county circuit, both young and experienced. The one thing they may be lacking is a talented frontline spinner.
Overseas player: Steve Magoffin (Australia) Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka, T20)
Ins: Tymal Mills (Essex), Ajmal Shahzad (Nottinghamshire) Outs: Yasir Arafat (Hampshire), Jon Lewis, Rory Hamilton-Brown (Retired)
 |
| Craig Cachopa is an eye-catching young batsman. |
 |
| Jeetan Patel. |
Warwickshire:
Key Player: Jeetan Patel - The New Zealand off-spinner has been a cornerstone of Warwickshire's success claiming 107 wickets in all formats last season. He claimed 59 first-class wickets and has taken more than 50 wickets in the last three Championship campaigns.One-to-watch: Sam Hain - With a number of Warwickshire's more experienced players failing to step up and make 1,000 runs, Hain finished the 2014 season as the club's leading run-scorer. The 19-year-old made a double-century against Northamptonshire last season and finished with 823 runs, averaging over 50 in 12 matches.
Prediction: 4th Division One: Warwickshire are always one of the best all-round teams and a regular threat in the first division. At times they have been known to let themselves down, but they are one of the most successful teams in recent years, with their last Championship title coming in 2012. The fact that they have not made any signings, or decided to release any of their players, demonstrates how the club knows exactly where it wants to be, but if experienced players do not perform, as was the case last year, then the title may be beyond them.
Overseas player: Jeetan Patel (New Zealand), Brendon McCullum (New Zealand, T20)
Ins: none Outs: none
 |
| Varun Chopra is Warwickshire's Championship captain. |
 |
| Daryl Mitchell. |
Key Player: Daryl Mitchell - The Worcestershire captain is a consistent player and a return of 1,334 runs was crucial in his side's bid for automatic promotion. A leader, opening batsman and a fan favourite, Mitchell will be a vital part of Worcestershire's relegation battle, especially when you consider that Moeen Ali is likely to be absent for long periods
One-to-watch: Joe Leach - Leach became a useful all-rounder in 2014, although he was primarily used as a bowler, claiming 33 wickets in 12 Championship fixtures.
Prediction: 9th Division One: Automatic promotion from Division Two was exactly what Worcestershire deserved last year, but the strain of top-flight cricket may prove to be one step too far. With their most talented batsman and perhaps bowler, Moeen Ali, playing a key role with the England squad in all formats, it is likely that an irreparable void will be left in Worcestershire's team.
Overseas player: Colin Munro (New Zealand, T20) Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)
Ins: Alex Gidman (Gloucestershire) Outs: Nick Harrison, Matt Pardoe, Graeme Cessford (Released)
 |
| Alex Gidman has moved on from Gloucestershire after 14 seasons. |
Yorkshire:
 |
| Adam Lyth. |
One-to-watch: Alex Lees - A return of 971 runs at an average of 44.14 was marginally overshadowed by the overwhelming success of his batting partner, Adam Lyth. However, with Lyth finally receiving the attention of the England squad, Lees will face a hefty responsibility this season as Yorkshire aim to defend their title.
Prediction: 2nd Division One: Yorkshire are the undisputed Kings of cricket at present. However, with so many of their players gaining international recognition, it is hard to see how they will be able to guarantee a repeat of last year. If Adam Lyth, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Adil Rashid are all away for long periods, the quality required to win the title may be lacking.
Overseas player: Younus Khan (Pakistan,) Aaron Finch (Australia) Glenn Maxwell (Australia, T20); Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Ins: Josh Shaw (Youth) Outs: Azeem Rafiq (Released)
 |
| Alex Lees made 971 runs last season at the top of the order. |
Predicted Final Standings:
Division One: Division Two:
1. Nottinghamshire 1. Lancashire
2. Yorkshire 2. Essex
3. Sussex 3. Derby
4. Warwickshire 4. Surrey
5. Durham 5. Northamptonshire
6. Somerset 6. Kent
7. Hampshire 7. Glamorgan
8. Middlesex 8. Gloucestershire
9. Worcestershire 9. Leicestershire
No comments:
Post a Comment