By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Warwickshire are now established as a First Division team in both the Championship and the National League and the next step is to challenge for a title.

Brad Hogg could prove a shrewd signing by Warwickshire

They are an outside bet for both competitions but will need big returns from their overseas players to go the whole way in the Championship.

Winning a one-day competition might be a more realistic aim as they have finished third, third and fourth in the last three years in the league and lost in the final of the Twenty20 Cup.

Sussex's Mushtaq Ahmed demonstrated the value of a top-class spinner last season and Warwickshire are clearly hoping that Australian Brad Hogg can provide something similar.

Fully aware that championships are usually won by either quality pace bowling or spin, they tried to sign him and Anil Kumble last season but were forced to settle for the inexperienced and erratic Collins Obuya. It did not work.

Hogg's signing could prove to be a shrewd one although his main success at international level has come in the one-day game.

In his four Tests he has taken nine wickets at just over 50.

Only Waqar Younis, 39 wickets in eight matches last season, gave the attack a cutting edge and with injury-prone Melvyn Betts and Mo Sheikh released, it is no surprise that the county have signed a pace bowler as their second overseas player.

WARWICKSHIRE'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 5th, Division One National League: 4th, Division One C&G Trophy: Quarter-finalists Twenty20 Cup: Losing finalists

It has already been decided that Zimbabwe's captain Heath Streak and South African Dewald Pretorius will job share.

Streak is one of the most reliable bowlers in international cricket but he is not a destroyer; Pretorius is quick and aggressive but erratic.

The value of having two players to cover one place is obvious as neither will be worn down by the grind.

It has to be questioned though whether either can do what Waqar managed last season.

The appointment of Nick Knight as captain looks a sensible one. He is no longer distracted by international commitments and is experienced enough to cope with his dual role - leading the side and being its main run-scorer.

The captaincy had a detrimental effect on Michael Powell's form. His return to the ranks will allow him to concentrate on his batting.

Knight was the obvious choice as Warwickshire's new skipper

Run-scoring should not be a problem.

The impressive Mark Wagh was one of three players to pass 1,000 runs last season. He looks to have the class to be a Test player but he is 28 this year and time is running out.

Jim Troughton continued to make progress despite the setback of being dropped from England's one-day side while Dougie Brown remains one of the most admirable all-round performers in the county game - 1,028 runs at 46.72 and 36 wickets.

It is an important season for Ian Bell.

Those who believe he was hyped well beyond his talent will not be surprised by his lack of progress.

He was selected for every game in the championship and the National League last season. Warwickshire will be hoping their faith in him will be repaid.