Brad Hodge first joined Lancashire in 2005 (Getty)

Lancashire bowler Dominic Cork feels the performance of Australian batsman Brad Hodge will be this season's difference between success and failure.

The county have failed to win the championship outright since 1934, but Cork believes the 33-year-old will influence their fortunes.

"Hodge has an important role for the club," Cork told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He's an experienced guy. He's an Australian who believes in himself and I'm sure he'll fit in here nicely."

The winners of the championship are ones who stay consistent Dominic Cork

Lancashire look to start the new campaign with victory over Surrey at The Oval. And Cork believes the team is in good shape to mount a title challenge.

"As a side we're very strong," he said. "We cover every angle of every game.

"But the winners of the championship are ones who stay consistent and what we have to do is stay as positive as possible and go out there with a belief that we can win."

Stuart Law takes over the captaincy from Mark Chilton, and Cork reckons he will be suited to the role.

"I think he'll bring the Aussie way of trying to stay ahead of the game," said Cork. "He's already stamped his authority on the squad as an individual.

"He had a very good record for Queensland as captain and I'm sure he's going to come here and add that half percent we need to be successful."

Tune into BBC Radio Lancashire on 95.5, 103.9 or 104.5FM for the best coverage of every Lancashire game.

Chris Mallaband will bring you regular reports, commentary and features throughout the day, and will then round-up the day's play on Lancashire Sport from 1805GMT.