By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Middlesex's achievements last season might appear modest but they are making steady progress and should continue to improve without threatening to win something just yet.

Nantie Hayward and Lance Klusener should spice things up at Lord's

They held their place in Division One of the Championship after promotion in 2002 and were only one victory away from promotion in the National League.

Middlesex have become the championship's draw specialists - champions Sussex lost more games last season - and are unlikely to be title contenders until they can find a match-winning spinner.

Consequently, the Indian Cricket Board's refusal to allow Anil Kumble to join them was a setback.

Paul Weekes is solid and James Dalrymple is one for the future but they have not been able to replace Phil Tufnell.

Instead, four pace bowlers have been brought in to strengthen an attack that has struggled to bowl sides out despite the emergence of Chad Keegan.

He was not only the leading wicket-taker in both forms of cricket - 60 in the Championship and 23 in the National League - but, remarkably for a seam bowler, he also played in all but one of the side's 34 league matches.

Keegan was a whole-hearted performer in the 2003 season

Two of the signings are clearly a gamble.

Paul Hutchison and Melvyn Betts, brought in from Sussex and Warwickshire respectively, have talent but their fitness records are a cause for concern.

The fiery South African, Nantie Hayward, took 67 championship wickets for Worcestershire last season and whether he can reproduce that form away from New Road's helpful pitches remains to be seen.

His fellow South Africa Lance Klusener needs little introduction. His bowling will be useful but his batting, especially in one-day cricket, will be the major draw.

If he stays fit and motivated, Middlesex could make an impact in the one-day game for the first time for many years.

Klusener will only be available though between May and July because of international commitments.

MIDDLESEX'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 6th, Division One National League: 4th, Division Two C&G Trophy: Quarter-finalists Twenty20 Cup: 4th in South Group

Middlesex's undoubted strength lies in their batting which benefits from playing on good pitches at Lord's and Southgate.

They have a settled, prolific line-up led by captain Andrew Strauss, who made his one-day international debut in Sri Lanka and it will be a surprise if he does not make his Test debut this year.

The timing of any call-up will inevitably have an impact on his county's fortunes.

Owais Shah should be on the same path.

He has the ability to play international cricket again, especially in the one-day game, but it is time for him to demand selection by weight of runs.