By Dewi Hughes

Kasprowicz has been in stunning form for Australia this winter

Australian pair Matthew Elliott and Michael Kasprowicz have been in stunning form this winter.

Left-hand batsman Elliott arrives in Wales fresh from guiding Victoria to a Pura Cup (formerly the Sheffield Shield) triumph having scored more runs in one season than any other player in the competition's history.

Fast-bowler Kasprowicz has found a new lease of life. He produced his produced his best one-day performance for Australia in February by taking 5-45 to help clinch a series win in Sri Lanka.

He followed that up by taking eight wickets against the same opponents in the three Test-match victories.

I like to think I've made some impact on the field and off the field in the dressing room Michael Kasprowicz

Glamorgan have been notorious slow starters in recent years; but with Kasprowicz and Elliott, hopes are high at Sophia Gardens of a getting some early points on the board.

"We've been a bit slow out of the blocks in the last seasons," Kasprowicz told BBC Wales Sport.

"So if we can get a good start and stay consistent throughout the year, we think we can do well.

"I don't think there's any harm in aiming big. If we do the basics right we can do really well and get promoted.

"There's enough class players in the team for us to do that."

Stalwarts Matthew Maynard, Robert Croft and Adrian Dale can again be entrusted to deliver the goods with bat and ball.

But Elliott's presence at the top of the batting order should solve last season's disappointing run total in the County Championship, and fill the void left by Steve James' injury-forced retirement.

Elliott is already fondly remembered by the Glamorgan faithful after helping the side to a first major Lord's final in 23 years during his one previous spell with the Welsh county in 2000.

Elliott scored seven tons and had an average of 79.38 for Victoria

And after amounting a mammoth 1,429 runs in Australian domestic cricket this season, Glamorgan fans could well be seeing the 32-year-old in the form of his life.

"I reckon he's just had his best season ever," said Kasprowicz.

"To get that sort of record, especially when you consider the players who have played in the past, tells you what sort of form he's coming over here in.

"Knowing him pretty well and seeing him play throughout the year, it's going to be pretty special to have him playing for Glamorgan."

But the sudden resurgence of these almost forgotten men of Australian cricket is not all good news for Glamorgan.

Both have been named in the Australia's 25-man list of centrally contracted players for 2004, and so should miss a large chunk of the season on international duty.

And with Simon Jones back in the England fold after recovering from a horrific knee injury, Glamorgan will be starved of their two main-line strike bowlers for the majority of the season.

Coach John Derrick says he has already drawn a list of 10 to 15 candidates to replace Kasprowicz if need be.

GLAMORGAN 2004 Coach: John Derrick Captain: Robert Croft Overseas players: Matthew Elliott, Michael Kasprowicz Players in: Matthew Elliott Players out: Owen Parkin, Jimmy Maher

"It's roughly a two month block in the season around June so there'll definitely be some impact there," explained Kasprowicz. "But there's no guarantee of being picked for any tour.

"I'd like to hope that what I've done in the past is good enough, but from experience I know you can't take these things for granted.

"Hopefully I will get picked but if not I'll be playing a lot more cricket for Glamorgan."

But however long Kasprowicz eventually has in Cardiff this year, he intends to make the most of his time.

"It's awesome to be back in Wales," he added. "I really enjoy it here and I know my family does too.

"We've loved the last two seasons here. You get to make some great mates.

"I like to think I've made some impact on the field and off the field in the dressing room and in helping guys develop.

"It's something I certainly enjoy doing and I'm looking forward to some more good times."