By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Northamptonshire's new captain, David Sales, is aiming high this summer.

Martin van Jaarsveld takes over from Mike Hussey

After double promotion last season he has set the target of a top three finish in Division One of the Championship and one-day league.

Either would be a considerable achievement as their success last season was based on the batting of two players who are no longer at the club.

Mike Hussey is taking a break from the game while Phil Jacques is ineligible after playing for New South Wales in the winter.

Between them, they contributed more than 3,000 runs in the Championship and 1,600 in the National League, scoring sixteen centuries between them in the process.

Hussey's absence, in particular, will be keenly felt. His Championship figures in the last three years were phenomenal - 2,055 runs at 79.03 in 2001; 1,379 runs at 72.57 in 2002 and 1,697 at 89.31 in 2003.

His replacement, the South African batsman Martin van Jaarsveld, has an impossible act to follow.

The arrival of Usman Afzaal from Nottinghamshire could relieve some of the burden, although his career has stagnated since he scored a Test fifty against the Australia at the Oval in 2001 and was subsequently chosen for England's tour of India.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 2nd, Division Two (promoted) National League: 2nd, Division Two (promoted) C&G Trophy: 3rd round Twenty20 Cup: 4th in Midlands/Wales/West Group

The pitches at Northampton should be more to his liking than those at Trent Bridge and sometimes a change can rejuvenate a player's career.

He claims he is ready to win back his Test place so now it is up to him.

Northamptonshire's biggest problem will be bowling out stronger batting line-ups in the First Division so it will be interesting to see what type of pitches are produced at Wantage Road.

Last season they made Sri Lanka's Galle International Stadium look seamer-friendly by comparison and off-spinner Jason Brown profited, taking 65 wickets.

There were grumbles from some rival teams that they should have been deducted points for preparing sub-standard surfaces.

As well as losing Hussey and Jacques, Northants will also be without South African fast bowler Andre Nel.

Skipper David Sales hopes to consolidate Northants' position

His figures were not sensational last season - 36 wickets at 35 - but he has potential and Northamptonshire were keen for him to return.

Eastern Province all-rounder Johann Louw has been recruited in his place, an unknown over here, but was recommended by Northamptonshire's coach Kepler Wessels.

Steffan Jones has also been brought in, but Somerset did not let him go for nothing. His wickets in the past two seasons cost over 40 runs each.

The most interesting aspect of Northamptonshire's season will be how Sales responds to the captaincy.

He has not been forgotten entirely by the England selectors but seasons of injury and unfulfilled talent have left him at the back of the queue.

There is still time for him to advance his claims but it is running out.