By Simon Mann Test Match Special

Chris Adams begins his sixth season in charge believing Sussex can finish in the top three.

That is confident talk from a captain whose side won only three championship matches last season and finished one place above relegation.

James Kirtley has become one of the most consistent pace bowlers in the county game

It would be a surprise if they justified their captain's optimism and the second season up could prove to be tougher than the first.

Escaping the drop last summer was a significant achievement in itself and they were helped by the unexpected collapse of the 2001 champions, Yorkshire.

Adams has a small and settled squad from which to choose, indeed 18 professionals is the smallest in the club's history.

There have been few significant comings and goings over the winter. The notable exception was the signing of the Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as the club's second overseas player.

His arrival is the main reason for Adams' increased confidence but he is a bowler whose undoubted powers appear to be on the wane.

He played the last of his 50 Tests for Pakistan two years ago and has not played a one-day international since October 2000.

The benefit for Sussex is that he will not be distracted by international call-ups.

He has the potential to be a dangerous bowler, especially against county batsmen less accustomed to playing quality leg-spin.

Adams is right to believe his success or otherwise will have a significant bearing on Sussex's season.

The dependable Murray Goodwin returns for his third season.

SUSSEX 2003 Director of Cricket: Peter Moores Captain: Chris Adams Overseas players: Mushtaq Ahmed, Murray Goodwin Players in: Shaun Rashid Players out: Will House

He followed up six centuries in 2001 with another five last season. and his opening partnership with Richard Montgomerie and Adams' own success with the bat will be key factors.

Robin Martin-Jenkins has signed a new three-year contract and set himself the goal of the new double - 50 wickets and 1,000 runs. He achieved the latter but was nine wickets short of the former last time.

So too is James Kirtley who has committed himself to the county until 2006 and has become one of the most consistent pace bowlers in the county game.

He is rarely injured and in the last five seasons has taken 54, 65, 63, 75 and 50 wickets - the latter from only 10 matches because of one-day international duties - but the attack needs another quality strike bowler.

The club is spoilt for choice in the wicket-keeping department.

Matt Prior is regarded as the better keeper, Tim Ambrose is the better batsman, but both are capable of making significant contributions.

Indeed, several judges believe the 20 year-old Australian-born Ambrose is a player with immense potential.

Both players have signed new, three-year contracts while South African off-spinner Mark Davis has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until the end of 2004.