By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Nottinghamshire have re-shaped their team over the winter as well as holding on to their star batsmen Kevin Pieterson.

An international future lies ahead for Kevin Pietersen

As a result, they should be strong candidates for promotion in both competitions.

The Pieterson saga was only resolved a month before the start of the season when a peace deal was agreed after he had previously threatened to sue the club.

He appears satisfied that his grievances over poor pitches and practice facilities have been addressed, but it will be interesting to see what effect his continued presence will have on team spirit.

No one can doubt his ability, however, and that is why Nottinghamshire were keen to hold him to his contract.

He scored 600 runs more than anyone else in the championship in 2003 and was also the leading scorer in the National League.

He qualifies to play for England in the autumn and could play immediately - especially at one-day level - if he has another strong season.

Damien Martyn has replaced Chris Cairns as one of the club's overseas players after producing a stunning double century during a brief spell with Yorkshire last season.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 8th, Division One (relegated) National League: 5th, Division Two C&G Trophy: 4th round Twenty20 Cup: 6th in North Group

Australians rarely underachieve in county cricket and he will surely improve on Cairns' moderate figures from last season.

It will also be a surprise if Stuart MacGill fails to improve on his own return in 2003. His wickets were instrumental in the club gaining promotion the previous year but he failed to have the same impact in Division One.

David Hussey, brother of Mike and a prolific run-scorer in Australian domestic cricket during the winter, will deputise when Martyn and MacGill are away on international duty.

Mark Ealham from Kent and Ryan Sidebottom from Yorkshire have been signed to strengthen the seam bowling attack.

And wicket-keeper David Alleyne has joined from Middlesex with Chris Read expected to be missing for most of the season on international duty.

Sidebottom is one of county cricket's most distinctive figures

Read's form with the bat for England will determine whether Alleyne will become a regular behind the stumps.

Anurag Singh, who failed to make his mark at Warwickshire and Worcestershire, is essentially a replacement for Usman Afzaal although it is not quite like for like.

On balance, Northants have got the better deal.

Having experimented with Cairns as one-day captain last season, Jason Gallian will lead Notts in all competitions.

He is now the second longest-serving captain in county cricket and will need to use that experience to mould together his new team.

He is fortunate to have the explosive talents of Pieterson and Martyn and the wicket-taking potential of MacGill at his disposal.