COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH
STEVE SMITH is back playing top-level cricket after his 12-month suspension.
And he is also back among the runs in the Indian Premier League, with an eye on a World Cup and Ashes recall this summer.
But in a quiet corner in Jaipur, the former Australia skipper reflected on the start of the English county season today.
More accurately, he turned his attention to the appointment of Cameron Bancroft as Durham captain. Bancroft, like Smith, served a ban over the same ball-tampering incident, which also involved David Warner.
Durham director of cricket Marcus North’s choice of his former Western Australia opening partner – who tried to rough up the ball with Champions: Surrey
Promoted: Warwickshire (champions), Kent Opening fixtures: Hampshire v Essex, Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire, Somerset v Kent
Ben Duckett (Notts): The hard-hitting opener has moved to Nottinghamshire from Northants and has talent to burn. On a good pitch he should provide huge amounts of entertainment.
(Surrey): A breakout summer in 2018, this year could confirm his promise. Very easy on the eye with a bat in his hand.
Jamie Overton (Somerset): Injuries have not been kind to Overton, but he has express pace and is perhaps more robust for the challenge than before. Peter Siddle (Essex), Matt Renshaw (Kent), James Pattinson (Notts), ■ (One team to be relegated at the end of the season, three promoted) Relegated: Lancashire and Worcestershire Wooden spoon: Glamorgan
Opening fixtures: Derbyshire v Durham, Northamptonshire v Middlesex, Sussex v Leicestershire
Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex): Following a season wrecked by injury, can Roland-Jones rediscover the form that earned him his Test call-up? It is worth watching to find out. (Sussex): Fast left-armer. There are plenty hoping Garton can stay fit and develop into an international bowler. Haseeb Hameed (Lancashire): Opening batsman who has really struggled and is in danger of being lost to the game after a bright Test start. His season will be fascinating. Glenn Maxwell & Joe Burns (Lancs), Cameron Bancroft (Durham), Shaun Marsh & Marnus Labuschagne (Glam), Worrall (Gloucs), Callum Ferguson (Worcs)