The Reverse Sweep

Our County Championship predictions - Thank God for Yorkshire

Can there be a league competition anywhere in the world, in any sport that is more dificult to predict than English cricket's County Championship? We doubt it.

Last season we confidently tipped that Warwickshire and Lancashire would be fighting a relegation battle rather than ending up dualling for the title on the final day.

This year we may even have surpassed that ignominious prediction given that our title tip Durham are floundering at the bottom of Division 1 with their batsmen suffering a collective lapse of form that make Ian Bell's struggles in the winter against Saeed Ajmal seem mild in comparison.

To compound our error, the team that we predicted would be battling it out with Durham for the title were, yes you've guessed it, Lancashire. We should have known that one title every 77 years is quite enough.

The weather hasn't helped and there is still plenty of time left, but in Division 1 at least we can probably already resign ourselves to the fact that we won't be cashing in our chips come September.

Whilst we are clearly appalling tipsters, it is still evident that trying to predict what is going to happen in the County Championship is even more difficult than picking the winning lottery numbers or trying to work out what will happen with the Euro crisis.

Thank God then for Yorkshire - and it's not often we find ourselves saying that. Despite the club doing as much a possible to shoot itself in the foot - chasing Ajmal Shahzad over the Pennines into the grateful arms of Lancashire and making Mitchell Starc go around the world one more time than Phileas Fogg - on the field at least they are justifying our tip that they would win Division 2. Chasing 400 to win at Bristol last weekend was mighty impressive indeed. 

But with Colin Graves armed and dangerous, we are sure that Yorkshire's promotion charge still has plenty of time to come off the rails yet.

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

County Championship of the week #6

Another 'bloody disgrace' at Yorkshire

10 reasons why neutrals should be glad Lancashire won the County Championship

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Wayne Rooney, County Cricket, the IPL, Luke Wright and loyalty

We've managed to get all of the above-titled motely crew into our latest piece for All Out Cricket. It's essentially a piece about loyalty, or the lack of loyalty and how the preference for mammon over honour and loyalty is becoming increasingly prevalent in cricket.

It's not as profound as we've just described but it is timely as Sussex kick off the county season shorn of their top all-rounder in Luke Wright, who is instead enjoying the balmy conditions in India, a wad of cash for his contract with Pune Warriors and the attractions of IPL Nights and assorted Bollywood actresses, not that we're jealous you'll understand.

Anyway have a read of Is Home No Longer Where The Heart Is? and see what you think...

PS: Since we wrote the article we've discovered that Paul Collingwood isn't in India with Rajasthan Royals after all, but is effectively on stand-by in the event that they need him, but the sentiment of the point we are trying to make still holds.

Where next?

County Championship preview: Our XI to watch in 2012

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship preview: Our XI to watch in 2012

Last year we selected ten players to watch at the outset of the season and with the exception of Adam Lyth and Adil Rashid, for once our predictions proved pretty accurate. This year, we've opted to name an XI to shine.

Joe Denly (Middlesex, Age 26, First-Class batting average 34.47): Seemed to be the next man in line when he broke into the England limited overs side in the summer of 2009, but then suffered a long barren run until a resurgence in form in the second half of last summer. A change of scenary at Lord's may well add impetous to the revival. 

Joe Root (Yorkshire, 21, 35.03): Impressed many shrewd observers in his rookie season and is a good bet to develop further in his sophomore year. Of all the young batsmen in County Cricket, it is Root who appears to have the assurance, technique and resoluteness required to be a potential successor to Andrew Strauss when he eventually makes way at the top of the order in the Test side.   

James Taylor (Nottinghamshire, 22, 50.38): Looks as classy as a first-class average of 50 would suggest. The move from Grace Road will give him and the England selectors an opportunity to see how he fares against Division 1 bowling attacks. The number six spot in the Test side is up for grabs and a good debut season at Trent Bridge could end with Taylor filling the role.

James Vince (Hampshire, 21, 31.91): Has a look of Michael Vaughan with his classical, upright and attacking style, but has thus far failed to demonstrate the consistent returns his obvious talent would justify. A season in the company of Simon Katich at the Rose Bowl could be just what the young buck needs. 

Tom Maynard (Surrey, 23, 30.98): Made the great leap forward in his first season at The Oval with 1,000 runs in Division 2 at 40 and with three hundreds. An aggressive, fast-scoring batsman who is a good outside bet for England's squad to defend the World T20 in Sri Lanka in September.

Ben Stokes (Durham, 20, bat - 43.64, ball - 37.35): One of our ones to watch in 2010 and 2011, Stokes justified our faith by making a storming start to last season before injury ruled him out for six weeks in mid-summer. Has averaged over 40 with the bat in the last two years and continues to improve with the ball. Just don't call him the new Andrew Flintoff - not yet, anyway.

Adil Rashid (Yorkshire, 24, bat 34.09, ball 34.46): Had a poor 2011 and his progress seems to have stalled, but it must be remembered that this leg spinner is still only 24 and already has 280 first-class wickets under his belt. Whispers of a poor work ethic and inability to develop persist, but we're backing him to come good eventually - a much improved 2012 would be a good start.    

Michael Bates (Hampshire, 21, 15.57): Many including James Foster have raved about his glovework, which is a good enough recommendation for us. However, the young keeper will need to improve significantly on his batting average otherwise like Foster and Chris Read before him a long international career will elude him. 

Stuart Meaker (Surrey, 23, ball 30.07, bat 16.17): Very fast and extremely impressive in Surrey's promotion winning side last season. So much so, that he earned a call up to England's one day squad for the ill fated series in India. With Surrey's potentially lethal attack likely to make a big splash in Division 1, this South African bowler is a good bet for further international honours. 

Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire, 21, ball 24.32): Emerged from the shadow of Gary Keedy to devastating effect by taking nine for 51 in the penultimate game of last season to keep Lancashire's Championship hopes alive. Could well become the first-choice spinner as his side seek to defend their title.   

Reece Topley (Essex, 18, ball 23.55): The 6' 7" bowler took to first-class cricket like a duck to water with 14 wickets in his first three championship matches last season and looks to be a thrilling prospect. With prodigies like Topley around, England's selectors really could be forgiven for believing that fast bowlers grow on English oak trees.

Where next?

Our 2011 County Cricket players to watch - Who graduated and who didn't?

Our 10 to watch in 2011: Adam Lyth, Jade Dernbach,  Rory Hamilton-Brown, Samit Patel, Alex Hales, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes, James Harris, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Yorkshire

In the words of their own Chairman, Yorkshire's players were a bloody disgrace as they were relegated last season. Their woes were compounded when Lancashire finally ended their 77 year long wait for the title.

Strengths

Where do you start? The squad is a seriously good one. Ryan Sidebottom oozes class with the new ball, Tim Bresnan should play a few games, Ajmal Shahzad can surely not endure as poor a season as last nor Adil Rashid. The batting is bristling with talent with Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow and captain Andrew Gale leading the way. Phil Jacques is an excellent choice as overseas batsman and could do what Jacques Rudolph did for years.

Weaknesses

An unerring ability to shoot themselves in the foot. Expectations will be high so a good start will be necessary to prevent the loss of form and confidence suffered by the likes of Shahzad, Rashid and Adam Lyth last season

Main man

The star of Adil Rashid waned dramatically in 2011, but leg spinners tend to mature like a fine bottle of Chateau Lafitte - it takes time, care and patience. The arrival of Jason Gillespie as coach and the prospect of a long line of quivvering Division 2 batsmen could provide the spur that the 24 year old needs to revive his fortunes.

Look out for

Plenty of quips, barbs and controversy as Geoffrey Boycott takes a turn at being President. The sight of him in the nets with a stick of rhubarb will be one to behold.

Prediction

Champions - far too good for Division 2.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Yorkshire

Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves gets straight to the point

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Northamptonshire

Having missed out on promotion by the narrowest of margins for two successive seasons, many neutrals will be hoping it is third time lucky for unfashionable Northamptonshire.

Strengths

A solid batting line-up led by the redoubtable Stephen Peters, the promising Rob Newton and Alex Wakely as well as the experienced David Sales has been strengthened by the arrival of Kyle Coetzer from Durham. On the bowling front, Chaminda Vaas is back and along with Jack Brooks provides a strong new ball attack. Andrew Hall, Niall O'Brien and James Middlebrook can all be relied upon for lower-middle order runs. David Willey is fit after mising all but the last game of 2011.

Weaknesses

Having faltered at the final hurdle twice, will they do a Devon Loch again if the finishing post looms? The bowling has been weakened by the loss of David Lucas and is perhaps too over reliant on Vaas and Brooks making in roads with the new ball. Yorkshire and Hampshire especially look to have much stronger squads.

Main man

He may be 38, but Chaminda Vaas still provides wickets, runs and an inspiring sight for the likes of Brooks.

Look out for

A fast start, a dramatic stumble and an agonising finale - it is the Northants way.

Prediction

5th - The squad doesn't look as good as last season and this year they have Yorkshire and Hampshire to contend with.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Northamptonshire  

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Leicestershire

The Nottinghamshire Youth Development Squad had a dreadful season in Division 2 in 2011, finishing bottom by 61 points, winning only one match. However, they did manage to win the Friends Life T20.

Strengths

Difficult. Talking up the Foxes chances in four day cricket is like trying to sound confident about England winning a Test match in Asia. Nevertheless, we can offer that Will Jefferson is a decent batsman, captain Matthew Hoggard will give it his all, new ball partner Nathan Buck is a promising cricketer and Ramnaresh Sarwan is an interesting choice as overseas player.

Weaknesses

The squad actually appears weaker than the one that finished bottom by 61 points in 2011. Their best batsman James Taylor has been whisked off to Trent Bridge - as has Harry Gurney - and the effervescent Paul Nixon has retired. It's high time the county stopped being a feeder club to the greedy harlots residing at Trent Bridge.

Main man

Sarwan certainly has the talent but does he have the appetite any more? So we'll go with Nathan Buck. 2011 saw a disappointing return of 24 championship wickets at 46.50 for the talented youngster, but he looks to have enough about him to get the Nottinghamshire scouts salivating.

Look out for

Scouts and representatives from Nottinghamshire outnumbering the locals at Grace Road.

Prediction

9th - but maybe not as distant a last as last year.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Leicestershire  

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Kent

Last year we confidently predicted that Kent would be promoted and then compounded that error by tipping them as champions. They finished eighth, so you'd think we'd have given up predicting their fortunes, wouldn't you? 

Strengths

There have been more comings and goings than Henry VIII's marital bed with new coach Jimmy Adams overseeing the arrival of Mark Davies, Ben Harmison, Charlie Shreck and Mike Powell. Davies in particular looks a shrewd acquisition as does Brendan Nash as the county's overseas player. Rob Key is still a fine batsman and a good captain whilst a good crop of youngsters such as England Under-19 captain Adam Ball and batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond can expect to be given their heads.

Weaknesses

The loss of Joe Denly and particularly Martin van Jaarsveld means that the new boys will have to fire from the off. Davies has been beset with injuries since being on the fringes of the England squad in 2009 and the rest of the seam attack has a bit of a pedestrian look about it. 

Main man

We'd normally go for Key, but if they can keep him fit Mark Davies could turn out to be the buy of the season. He was a vital cog in Durham's Championship winning seasons of 2008 and 2009, and has a career first-class average of 22.63.

Look out for

Lots of interest in the likes of Ball, Sam Northeast and Bell-Drummond as cricket followers look for the next generation of England cricketers.

Prediction

3rd - Lots of runs from Key and a much better season at Canterbury, but not quite so good that it will end in promotion.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Kent  

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview - Division 2 - Hampshire

Relegated last season, Hampshire will be determined to bounce back to the promised land of Division 1. What are their chances?

Strengths

A quick look at the squad leaves one wondering how they were relegated last season. The batting looks powerful with captain Jimmy Adams, Michael Carberry, Neil McKenzie, talented youngster James Vince and overseas star Simon Katich. The bowling also looks good with James Tomlinson, Chris Wood, Danny Briggs, David Balcombe (after a productive loan spell with Kent in 2011) and Dimitri Mascarenhas.

Weaknesses

Mascarenhas will miss the first two months of the season due to the IPL and some of the other bowlers have proved susceptible to injury in the past. Expectations will be high, which could add to the pressure.

Main man

The successful comeback of Michael Carberry from serious illness was one of the feelgood stories of last summer and if Andrew Strauss' troubles with the bat continue, the left hander could even add to the one cap he earned in Bangladesh in 2010.

Look out for

The new Michael Clarke dart board in the home dressing room at the Rose Bowl - Katich is not a fan.

Prediction

2nd - A swift return to Division 1 looks on the cards.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Cricket 2011 Heroes: Michael Carberry

County Championship 2011 Preview - Hampshire  

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Gloucestershire

A strong fourth in Division 2 last season but how will the departures of Jon Lewis, last season's leading wicket taker and Chris Taylor, the leading run scorer, over the winter affect their chances in 2012?  

Strengths

Even putting to one side the contribution of  Lewis, Will Gidman, David Payne and Ian Saxelby all took over 40 wickets in the Championship last season. Indeed, Gidman did the double of 50 wickets and 1,000 runs. Kane Williamson is back for a second season as overseas player. The batting looks thinner and will rely heavily on Gidman's brother Alex the captain, Hamish Marshall and Dan Housego who returns to the county from Middlesex where he was the leading run scorer in the 2nd XI Championship last season.

Weaknesses

Losing Lewis is a real blow as he has been the mainstay of the attack for several seasons. Payne and Saxelby have plenty of promise but at 21 and 22 respectively is it asking too much for them to make the step up to leading the attack? The loss of Taylor could prove even more devastating as the batting looks decidedly shaky.  

Main man

Can Will Gidman have as productive a season as last? Probably not, but even 10 wickets and 200 runs less would still be an outstanding return.

Look out for

Whether Payne and/or Saxelby can step up in the absence of Lewis.

Prediction

8th - Losing your best bowler is clumsy, but also releasing your top batsman is downright foolish.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Gloucestershire 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Glamorgan

The slightly acrimonious departure of Alviro Petersen saw a second successive winter of discontent in Wales. Can they improve on last season's sixth place finish?

Strengths

With the loss of Petersen, the batting will depend heavily on opener Gareth Rees, captain Mark Wallace and William Bragg - the latter two who both reached 1,000 runs last year. The addition of Marcus North and Moises Henriques to share overseas player duties should help lighten the load. England prospect James Harris and spinner Dean Cosker lead the attack.  

Weaknesses

A huge load is placed on the young shoulders of Harris as the rest of the seam attack has a pedestrian look to it. The loss of Petersen will only slightly be reduced by the arrival of North, who unlike the South African is past his best.

Main man

Injury restricted him last season, but having had an operation over the winter James Harris is set and raring to go. Glamorgan's fortunes depend heavily on him continuing to impress leading the line and providing useful lower order contributions.

Look out for

Plenty of rancour if Petersen returns to Cardiff with Essex for the Championship game on may 2nd.

Prediction

7th - A season of struggle.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Glamorgan

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Essex

Seventh was a hugely disappointing return for a side that had been in Division 1 the season before last. Can they mount a promotion challenge this season?

Strengths

Charl Willoughby joins to offer support to David Masters who took 93 wickets in Division 2 last season - both should prove excellent mentors for young tyros Tymal Mills and Reece Topley. Another acquisition is Alviro Petersen following his acrimonious departure from Glamorgan who will add steel to the batting line-up in the first part of the summer. James Foster is still the best keeper in the country and was also the County's leading run scorer in 2011. Ravi Bopara and Owais Shah add class to a batting line-up, which also features the promising Adam Wheater.

Weaknesses

No-one reached 1,000 Championship runs last season and with Alastair Cook and Bopara lost to England, Shah to the IPL and Petersen to the South African tourists, a lot will once again depend on Foster. Tony Blair wouldn't approve of the distinct lack of spin. If Masters gets injured they could struggle to take wickets.

Main man

With apologies to Masters, the main man as ever at Chelmsford is the superlative James Foster - captain, keeper extraordinaire and a much better batsmen than many give him credit for - including sadly the England selectors over the last ten years.

Look out for

Changes to the breakfast menu at Chelmsford. After the Mervyn Westfield trail, Danish pastries are likely to have been removed from the menu.

Prediction

4th - The two teams coming down from Division 1 look particularly strong so whilst Essex will improve on 2011 they will probably fall short of promotion.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Essex

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 2 - Derbyshire

Many - including us - tipped the perenniel strugglers for the wooden spoon in 2011, but despite sacking coach John Morris in the middle of a game they managed to finish fifth. Will 2012 bring further improvement or a return to more familiar surroundings? 

Strengths

On paper these appear to be few and far between. Martin Guptill and Usman Khawaja return to share duties as overseas player in the Championship. Captain Wayne Madsen is a solid opener, Wes Durston passed 1,000 runs last year, Chesney Hughes is a decent batting prospect and Jonathan Clare will look to build on a solid performance with bat and ball in 2011. Slow left arm spinner David Wainwright arrives from Yorkshire with much to prove to support the unheralded new ball pair of Tim Groenewald and Tony Palladino who shared 100 Championship wickets last season.  

Weaknesses

Last year's captain Luke Sutton has retired. Attack leader Palladino could miss the start of the season with a broken jaw. That and any other injuries could severely hamper their chances as strength in depth is an alien concept with the county. Guptill and Khawaja apart, the batting looks decidedly brittle and lacking in quality. 

Main man

Jonathan Clare made the great leap forward in 2011 with just shy of 700 Championship runs at 33 and 43 wickets at 27, elevating him to the ranks of a genuine all-rounder. Can he build on this in the coming season?

Look out for

How Wainwright fares after his move from Yorkshire. Two seasons ago he was being talked about as a possible England player but his form and confidence then vanished. If they return then Derbyshire's bowling attack could surprise in its potency. 

Prediction

6th - Mid-table obscurity, but Derbyshire will take that with both hands.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Derbyshire

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Worcestershire

Odds-on favourites to go down even before they lost their first six games last season, Worcestershire somehow defied history and circumstance to escape the relegation trap-door and temporarily at least lose their yo-yo tag. Can they survive again in 2012?

Strengths

The knowledge that they can compete at this level ought to embolden a threadbare squad. If (and it's a big if) Phil Hughes can regain the form and confidence of his sojourn with Middlesex in 2009 then he will prove to be an inspired acquisition as overseas player. His fellow countryman Michael Klinger is a good choice until Hughes arrives. The seam attack is led by the experienced Alan Richardson - last season's leading wicket taker in Division 1. 

Weaknesses

If Hughes doesn't fire then big runs will be required from Vikram Solanki and Moeen Ali in what looks a slightly brittle and inexperienced batting order. The injury to Gareth Andrew will rule him out for the first couple of months, which means even more responsibility falls onto Richardson's shoulders - in fact he may as well change his name to Atlas. Unfortunately, Saeed Ajmal is only available for the T20.

Main man

If Alan Richardson can get close to the 73 wickets he managed in 2011, a sequel to the Great Escape could be on.

Look out for

Any adjustments Hughes has made to his game following his dismal exit from the Australian Test side. Dinner dates with Martin Guptill, who is playing for Derbyshire, are unlikely.

Prediction

9th - We got it wrong last year, but surely Worcestershire don't have enough to stay up again? Our reputation as tipsters is already shot so we'd be delighted if they proved us wrong.

Where next? 

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Worcestershire

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Warwickshire

We tipped them for relegation last season. They finished second and would have won the title but for a tremendous Hampshire rearguard on the final day of the season. We won't be making that mistake again. Or will we?

Strengths

The seam attack is one of the best in the country with Chris Woakes, Boyd Rankin and Rikki Clarke all having outstanding seasons in 2011. The addition of Jeetan Patel as overseas player completes the bowling picture. On the batting front, Varun Chopra finally showed his talent last season whilst Ian Bell could feature more than usual given that he is not currently in England's limited overs squads.

Weaknesses

Other than Chopra, none of the regular top six batsmen who will feature this season averaged above 35.50 last year. An injury or international call-up for Woakes or Rankin would seriously affect the potency of the bowling.

Main man

That Chris Woakes has fallen down the pecking order for England's limited overs squad is a surprise. If he can repeat his performances of last season with ball (56 wickets at 22) and bat (nearly 600 runs at 48), the Bears may punch above their weight again.

Look out for

The silky smooth skills of Bell on show in several championship games. His struggles against spin on slow Asian pitches are unlikely to be replicated once he returns to English shores.

Prediction

4th - There or thereabouts but not good enough to win the title.

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Warwickshire

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Sussex

We should probably register our vested interest at this point, as Sussex is our county. Can they bring joy to the Reverse Sweep household come the end of the season?

Strengths

The batting has a a solid if unspectacular look to it with the ever-reliable Murray Goodwin ably supported by the liks of Chris Nash, Ed Joyce, captain Mike Yardy and last season's breakthrough player Luke Wells. The bowling relies heavily on Monty Panesar who got through 750 overs in the Championship in 2011. James Anyon and Amjad Khan provide the seam support.

Weaknesses

The squad lacks the depth of others especially in the bowling department and the loss of Luke Wright to the IPL and Panesar and Matt Prior to England could hit them hard. It's an important season for talented youngsters such as Joe Gatting and Will Beer, who will need to prove they can flourish at this level.

Main man

Murray Goodwin is to Sussex what Marcus Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash are to Somerset and Surrey respectively - a reliable source of runs and undisputed leader of the batting line-up. Sussex could need him to produce at least the 1372 Championship runs he delivered in 2011.

Look out for

The seagulls - there's plenty of those on offer at Sussex's Hove HQ.

Prediction

7th - It's hard to predict anything but a season of struggle, but our (probably jaundiced) view is that they will just have enough to keep their heads above water.    

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Sussex

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Surrey

Promoted on the final day of the season last year, how will County Cricket's equivalent of Manchester City fare back in the top flight?

Strengths

In most cases, it is all about survival for teams in their first season after promotion from Division 2. However, given the strength of Surrey's squad, this may not be the case here. The bowling stocks appear to be as good as any with new signing Jon Lewis making it a quartet of England seam bowlers along with Chris Tremlett, Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker. Murali Kartik looks a good choice of overseas player as does Jacques Rudolph who will fill in until Kartik arrives after the IPL. The batting looks just as strong with the evergreen Mark Ramprakash, Rudolph and Zander de Bruyn joined by some tremendously talented young batsmen such as Jason Roy, Tom Maynard, captain Rory Hamilton-Brown and keeper Steven Davies. All in all, Surrey look to have a formidable side on paper.

Weaknesses

The lack of a genuinely top-class opening batsman - although Rudolph can fill in for the first couple of months - could mean Ramprakash and de Bruyn are exposed to the new ball too frequently. The England selectors could come calling on a regular basis, which could test the depth of the squad as could likely injuries to the likes of Tremlett.

Main man

Whilst Tremlett (if fit) is likely to play more games than last season given his likely slip down the pecking order of England seamers and Maynard looks a great prospect, it's harder to look further than Mark Ramprakash. Injuries and a subsequent meagre return of runs (by his lofty standards) may have plagued him last season, but the challenge of scoring runs in Division 1 is likely to revive him.

Look out for

Some partcularly quick, green and bouncy Oval tracks - with a seam quartet like this, it would be silly not to play to their strengths. 

Prediction

3rd - They could go all the way and will certainly go close to lifting the title, but not quite this year in our view.

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

Mark Ramprakash: English cricket’s great lost talent

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Cricket 2011 Heroes: Rory Hamilton-Brown

County Championship Preview 2011 - Surrey 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Somerset

We predicted that Somerset would finally end their wait to win their first Championship last season. We were wrong. Can County Cricket's perenniel bridesmaids conquer history in 2012? They even finished second on a solo trip to the South Pole.

Strengths

The arrival of Vernon Philander as the overseas player - even if it is only until May - could prove inspired if his spectacular introduction to Test cricket is anything to go by. Then there is the small matter of run machine Marcus Trescothick - the best batsman and the rosiest cheeks in County Cricket. Chuck in the supremely talented James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Craig Kieswetter and Lewis Gregory and Somerset have the nucleus of a very strong and exciting side. 

Weaknesses

After so many near misses in all of the domestic competitions over the last three seasons, one has to wonder if Somerset have enough of the killer instinct to win trophies. Some of the younger players have been too inconsistent in the Championship and when Philander departs will the bowling attack left behind be strong enough to win enough matches to claim the title? They are also likely to lose Buttler and Kieswetter to England for limite overs internationals.

Main man

In the last five seasons, Marcus Trescothick has scored close to 7500 runs in the Championship at an average of 64 with 25 hundreds to usurp Mark Ramprakash as the outstanding batsman in County Cricket. If Somerset are to challenge they will need more of the same from their captain.

Look out for

Confusion if Somerset actually manage to win anything. Who would they throw the bouquet to having finally become the bride?

Prediction

5th - Philander and Trescothick could give them a flying start, but once the South African leaves who other than Steve Kirby is going to take a regular supply of wickets?

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Cricket 2011 Heroes: Marcus Trescothick

Vernon Philander joins the great Victorians

County Championship 2011 Preview - Somerset 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Nottinghamshire

The 2010 Champions had a disappointing defence of their title last season. Can they challenge again in 2012?

Strengths

James Taylor, Adam Voges and Michael Lumb have arrived to supplement what now looks a very strong batting line-up that also features Alex Hales, Samit Patel and skipper Chris Read. Andre Adams continues to lead the line and will be looking to repeat his success of 2010 (68 Championship wickets) and 2011 (67). 

Weaknesses

The bowling is over-reliant on Adams a situation likely to be exacerbated by Darren Pattinson missing the first two months of the season. International call-ups have permanently deprived Notts of Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, and Patel, Hales and Taylor could all join them this coming season.

Main man

Of all the young batsmen jostling for position as next man in to the Test side, James Taylor looks to be the most likely to force his way in. A big debut season following his arrival from Leicestershire could help him do that sooner rather than later.

Look out for

Chris Read's heroics with the bat. We've lost count of the number of times he has saved his side.

Prediction

6th - Stronger bowling attacks may successfully raid a helpful Trent Bridge wicket too often for this to be anything but a season of struggle for the champions of two years ago. 

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Nottinghamshire 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Middlesex

2011 saw Middlesex finally return to the promised land. Can they make a big impression in Division 1 or will they quickly return to whence they came?

Strengths

A good blend of youth and experience was augmented over the winter by good acquisitions in Joe Denly and Olly Rayner. Chris Rogers leads a solid batting line-up, which will be bolstered by Andrew Strauss and Eoin Morgan for parts of the season. Much will depend on how Corey Collymore and Tim Murtagh make the transition to bowling with a Duke to Division 1 batsmen although Steven Finn will be around for some matches too.

Weaknesses

The step-up to Division 1 is quite large and despite their talent, the likes of Sam Robson and Dawid Malan are unproven at this level. The lack of a top-class spinner may also prove crucial in the final reckoning.

Main man

Having lost his place in the England Test side, Eoin Morgan knows he will need to make a big impression in County Cricket after he returns from the IPL. He certainly has the nerve and the talent, but can he improve his hitherto less than impressive first-class record?

Look out for

How Denly gets on after his move from Kent. His career had fallen away after playing for England in 2009 until a revival towards the end of last season, so this is a big opportunity for him.

Prediction

8th - Not quite enough quality to prevent a quick return to Division 2. 

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Cricket 2011 Heroes: The Tiflex cricket ball

County Championship 2011 Preview - Middlesex 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Lancashire

Champions after a positively biblical 77 year long famine - can Lancashire repeat the trick in 2012?

Strengths

In 2011 shrewd management and an impressive never-say-die spirit helped an unusually starless Lancashire side be far greater than the sum of its parts. Talismanic skipper Glen Chapple, Kyle Hogg, Sajid Mahmood and the odd cameo from James Anderson are a mighty fine seam quartet. This is backed up by old stager Gary Keedy and new hand Simon Kerrigan in the spin department. The acquisition of Ashwell Prince for the whole season (notwithstanding the possibility of a call-up to the South African squad touring England this summer) could prove crucial in the final reckoning.

Weaknesses

Whilst the likes of Stephen Moore, Paul Horton, Karl Brown and Stephen Croft are dependable enough with the bat only the first two topped 1,000 Championship runs in 2011 (and then only by 13 and 40 runs respectively), so the Champions appear to lack heavy scorers. Perhaps more pertinent is that retaining the Championship is extremely difficult. 

Main man

It will be interesting to see how Prince shapes up and the extent of Kerrigan's development as a potential England bowler, but it is the redoubtable Glen Chapple that has to take centre stage - he was inspirational as leader of the 2011 side and has taken 231 championship wickets at 21.16 in the last five seasons. If he can stay fit (and that is a big 'if') then a repeat of last season's triumph can not be ruled out.   

Look out for

How a return to their Old Trafford home affects their chances. How many times will Lancashire be foiled by the notoriously poor Manchester weather or a benign pitch?

Prediction

2nd - Will go close to retaining their crown, but will fall just a little bit short in the final reckoning.

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

10 reasons why neutrals should be glad Lancashire won the County Championship

County Cricket 2011 Heroes: Glen Chapple

County Championship 2011 Preview - Lancashire 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep