GET READY FOR THE KP CIRCUS...MARK BUTCHER’S GUIDE TO THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION ONE DURHAM
Verdict: I don’t think they have the strength to carry off the title. The best they can hope for is to consolidate.
Key man: MARK WOOD — a promising quick, as England have realised.
HAMPSHIRE
Verdict: It’s always difficult for any team that’s just been promoted but if West Indies paceman Fidel Edwards can stay fit they have a chance.
Key man: It would be fantastic if SEAN ERVINE makes the most of his talent.
MIDDLESEX
Verdict: I tipped them for the title last season but they ended up barely escaping relegation. The loss of Adam Voges to Australia’s Ashes squad is a big blow, as are the runs of fellow Ashes tourist Chris Rogers.
Key man: The return of NICK COMPTON from Somerset is huge.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Verdict: Promised much in 2014 but delivered little. I expect them to be strong, especially with seamers Vernon Philander and Ben Hilfenhaus.
Key man: This is a big chance for ALEX HALES to prove he can be more than just a one-day hitter.
SOMERSET
Verdict: With the likes of Marcus Trescothick they have a wealth of experience but they have often struggled to get over the line because of a lack of cricketing nous.
Key man: New coach MATTHEW MAYNARD — his edge is just what they need.
SUSSEX
Verdict: My tip for the title this season. Ed Joyce is back from another successful World Cup with Ireland and they’ll have leftie Tymal Mills, signed from Essex, to steam in down the hill.
Key man: The accurate seam bowling of STEVE MAGOFFIN is one of the game’s most unsung phenomena.
WARWICKSHIRE
Verdict: Had a cracking summer last year and have a nice blend of experience and players in the 27-31 age group who are approaching their peak.
Key man: JEETAN PATEL — 59 Championship wickets last year with his off-breaks.
WORCESTERSHIRE
Verdict: They are a workmanlike team on paper but coach Steve Rhodes gets them playing disciplined cricket and Daryl Mitchell is a terrific leader.
Key man: If he is available for enough games SAEED AJMAL could keep them up.
YORKSHIRE
Verdict: Their biggest challenge in defending their title will be coping with losing so many players to England.
Key man: ANDREW GALE — the captain will be ever-present while others are away.
DIVISION TWO DERBYSHIRE
Verdict: Martin Guptill will be fresh from his World Cup heroics with New Zealand. They’ll be tough to crack.
Key man: MARK FOOTITT was the leading wicket-taker in 2014 with 82 at 19 each.
ESSEX
Verdict: Somehow they always manage to mess up their promotion bid. Jesse Ryder will give them a bit of X-factor.
Key man: GRAHAM NAPIER — potentially destructive with both bat and ball.
GLAMORGAN
Verdict: They have found life very difficult of late but having Jacques Rudolph for the whole season is a boost.
Key man: Feisty all-rounder GRAHAM WAGG.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Verdict: The loss of Alex and Will Gidman leaves a big hole and it’s hard to see them improving on last season’s seventh place.
Key man: The runs of WILL TAVARE could prove to be crucial.
KENT
Verdict: Their problem will be taking 20 wickets but seamer Matt Coles is back from Hampshire.
Key man: SAM BILLINGS — an England star in the making.
LANCASHIRE
Verdict: Went straight back down but coach Ashley Giles will be keen after England axe.
Key man: TOM SMITH — showed his all-round class last summer.
LEICESTERSHIRE
Verdict: Rock bottom last year but there’s a feeling of renewal with three Australians in Andrew McDonald (coach), Mark Cosgrove (captain) and Clint McKay (seamer).
Key man: COSGROVE can give them some rollicking starts.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Verdict: They’ll be wiser after a dismal year. Must prove they can rediscover their 2013 form.
Key man: DAVID WILLEY bowls brisk left-arm and gives it a whack.
SURREY
Verdict: The Kevin Pietersen (left) circus is coming — they simply have to get promoted to Division One.
Key man: JASON ROY — this is a big chance to nudge the England selectors.