 Can Sussex win their fourth Championship in six years? |
As the county season gets under way in earnest on Wednesday with the first round of Championship matches, which teams stand the best chance of success in 2008?BBC Sport's team of writers - Oliver Brett, Mark Mitchener, Pranav Soneji and Paresh Soni - assess each county and you can have your say on the 606 website.
Derbyshire  Mahela Jayawardene will only be around for a month but his stand-in, Australian opener Chris Rogers, has excellent county pedigree. 
Durham After the dizzy heights of 2007, Durham have made moves to ensure this season is just as successful.
Essex The coaching staff need youngsters like Tom Westley, Merv Westfield and Maurice Chambers to come good this term.
Glamorgan Jamie Dalrymple and Matthew Wood are the new recruits and fans will also keep an eye on promising teenage paceman James Harris.
Gloucestershire It will be the start of a new era at Bristol, with captain-turned-coach Mark Alleyne gone and Jack Russell taking up the intriguing role of "team mentor".
Hampshire Having challenged unsuccessfully for the Championship for the last few seasons, Hampshire's fans may be in for a relegation battle this year.
Kent Kent will hope the signing of veteran Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood can have a big impact on the team's performances.
Lancashire Australia's Brad Hodge - a batsman with an excellent record in county cricket - returns to put Lancashire's prospects in excellent shape.
Leicestershire The departures of Stuart Broad and David Masters have left a massive void in the pace bowling ranks.
Middlesex Middlesex may pose more of a threat in one-day cricket, given that they were promoted in the Pro40 last year.
Northants Northamptonshire have a new skipper in Nicky Boje but he has very little by way of firepower to inspire promotion in either four-day or one-day cricket.
Nottinghamshire Much of their hopes will depend on key batsmen Mark Wagh and David Hussey, as well as new captain Chris Read.
Somerset With opening pair Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick now free of all their international commitments, they have a top order to be feared.
Surrey Surrey are fortunate that both Ali Brown and Mark Ramprakash have turned down the Indian Premier League.
Sussex After the extraordinary final day of the 2007 season, can Sussex make it four Championship pennants in six years?
Warwickshire Warwickshire have undergone major upheaval in the wake of their double relegation with former England spinner Ashley Giles put in charge of them.
Worcestershire Seamer Simon Jones will be keen to prove himself injury-free and capable of playing for England again.
Yorkshire With Jaques Rudolph leading the batting ranks, 2008 could be a memorable year for Yorkshire.
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Cricket interviews 
Bookmark with:
What are these?