By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Continuity is the main theme at Cardiff and once again there have been few changes in personnel during the winter.

Elliott has already tasted success this year with state side Victoria

A settled and close-knit squad will face a similar task to last season - to challenge for promotion in Championship Division Two and maintain the high standards set in the National League.

The only major alteration is the return of Matthew Elliott in place of Jimmy Maher as the club's second overseas player. It is a straight swap - one Australian left-hander for another.

Elliott averaged 50 when he played for the county in 2000 and he has been in excellent form in Australian domestic cricket.

He still talks about winning back his Test place but, at 33, that is unlikely so Glamorgan will benefit from his availability throughout the summer.

Michael Kasprowicz's return to international cricket is not such good news.

He took 77 Championship wickets in an uninterrupted season last year but can be expected to miss some games this time. It will be interesting to see if the county opt for a temporary replacement when he is needed by Australia.

GLAMORGAN'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 5th, Division Two National League: 5th, Division One C&G Trophy: 4th round Twenty20 Cup: 6th in Midlands/Wales/West Group

Glamorgan voted against allowing counties to field two overseas players and intentionally started last season with only one.

They changed direction during the season, rightly realising that they were not competing on a level playing field, especially when the full consequences of Steve James' knee injury become apparent.

To their credit they have not taken advantage of the rules to sign English-qualified foreign players. They try to produce their own, but principle and self-denial has its consequences.

Worcestershire, for example, were effectively able to call on four overseas players last season and they finished as Second Division champions.

Simon Jones has delighted everyone by his heartening recovery from injury but his immediate recall to England's Test side and performances in the Caribbean suggest his appearances for Glamorgan will be restricted.

Alex Wharf enjoyed his best season for Glamorgan in 2003

Kasprowicz and Jones will give captain Robert Croft a cutting edge when he is able to select them together.

Alex Wharf, David Harrison and Darren Thomas provide the back-up while Croft's success with the ball will determine whether Glamorgan are on the fringes or in the thick of the promotion race.

The batting has been too reliant on Matthew Maynard and Michael Powell, both of whom have passed 1,000 runs for the last two seasons.

Powell is beginning to fulfil his initial promise and Welsh supporters have still not given up hope that he might gain international recognition.

Those two will require more support from the talented Mark Wallace, David Hemp and Adrian Dale while the youngsters, Jonathan Hughes and Ian Thomas, need to make more of their opportunities.