By Simon Mann Test Match Special

Worcestershire look the best-equipped of the three promoted teams to hold onto their place in the First Division.

Tom Moody is rated one of the best coaches in the county game

The main surprise, in a 2003 season in which they reached the final of the C&G Trophy, was that they won only four matches in the National League and were relegated.

They have the all-round strength to return at the first attempt.

Tom Moody is establishing a strong reputation - he is being talked about as a possible future coach of England or Australia - and new captain Ben Smith had an excellent year.

Both their overseas players are all-rounders, which is valuable for the one-day game.

Andrew Hall returns for his second season. He is an aggressive cricketer who gets the most from his talent and Worcestershire will benefit from his increased availability.

Nantie Hayward has left after procrastinating over a new contract but his loss will not be so keenly felt as Andy Bichel is returning.

Bichel's bowling is suited to the helpful pitches at New Road and has had success with the county before. He is also capable of scoring useful runs.

WORCESTERSHIRE'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 1st, Division Two (promoted) National League: 9th, Division One (relegated) C&G Trophy: Losing finalists Twenty20 Cup: 3rd in Midlands/Wales/West Group

Worcestershire's seam attack is more than useful, especially at home. The muscular Matt Mason made big strides last season - 49 wickets at 21.18 - and is one to watch.

Kabir Ali has also been making progress but it is an important year for him after he was picked and then discarded by the England selectors. He needs to show that he is more than just a bad wicket bowler.

Nadeem Malik, the former England under-19 pace-bowler, has joined on a two year contract from Nottinghamshire. He became frustrated by his lack of opportunities at Trent Bridge but there is no certainty he will be a first-team regular with his new club either.

Worcestershire are developing a reputation for producing England players.

As well as Kabir, Vikram Solanki and Gareth Batty have also gained recognition while Kadeer Ali was chosen for the England A tour.

Solanki needs a good season to revive his England prospects

Anurag Singh has left to join Nottinghamshire which could open the way for Kadeer to establish himself.

Solanki has reached another critical point in his career. Dropped from the England one-day team for the second time, his response will be interesting.

Anyone who saw his century against South Africa at the Oval last season will hope that he responds positively.

It is not easy for batsmen to establish their reputations at New Road.

Even Graeme Hick showed his mortality last season, scoring only one championship century and failing to get close to scoring 1,000 runs.

Only Smith averaged above 40 and he led the batting averages in both forms of cricket, a fine achievement in his first year as captain.

The next test is for him to establish Worcestershire as a First Division side.