GrayNicolls
School Cricketer
Transfer deadline is Midnight Sunday GMT.
Warwickshire vs Worcestershire at Edgbaston- Division 2
Both teams have been fairly inactive in the transfer market, but with Warwickshire's new acquisition, Dale Steyn likely to play, Worcestershire's top order will have to be ready for some fearsome fast bowling.
Leicestershire vs Middlesex at Grace Road- Division 2
Leicestershire's new coach, Leicester Fox will be looking at a tough season with a fairly young squad. A tough opponent first up, but with record-signing Shane Bond in their side, anything can happen.
Gloucestershire vs Derbyshire at Bristol- Division 2
Derbyshire fans were overjoyed to find Zorax, the man who won the world cup with Bangladesh, as their new coach. Zorax has looked keen to strengthen his Derby outfit, with the signings of spinner Min Patel, and highly talented Sri Lankan keeper, Kumar Sangakkarra. Gloucestershire have only made one signing, that of Dwayne Smith to their versatile squad, and will look to gain promotion from Division 2 this season.
Essex vs Northamptonshire at Chelmsford- Division 2
A few eyebrows have been raised after the new Essex coach sold Ryan ten Doeschate- Prodigious Duth batsman who performed well for Holland in the World Cup, and has healthy averages in both forms of the game, and Alex Tudor- Tall fast bowler, who has also proven himself in First Class and One Day. Nevertheless, the signing of Mark Cosgrove from Glamorgan could prove a good one, as he could give a decent boost to the batting lineup. Many fans have shown their delight at Northamptonshire's capture of promising young batsman Jo Denly, from Kent. The young man performed well last season for Kent, and will be looking to score some big runs this year. Along with the signing of Denly, Northamptonshire were quick to sign South African seamer, Morne Morkel as their overseas player. Don't forget about the Monty factor, either.
Surrey vs Lancashire at The Brit Oval- Division 1
Two of the County Championship's heavyweights go head-to-head in this exciting encounter. Lancashire have shown faith in their team from last season by making absolutely no signings. Surrey have also seemed pretty confident, signing just one player- Herschelle Gibbs.
Kent vs Nottinghamshire at Canterbury- Division 1
The Kent fans have high expectations after new manager, Highlander unveiled the signings of Bermudan batsman, David Hemp from Glamorgan, South African Kolpak player, Lance Klusener from Northamptonshire. Not to mention newest signing, Pakistan spin bowling ace, Saqlain Mushtaq from Surrey. But, the biggest signing has been that of Australian captain, Ricky Ponting. There are high hopes at the St.Lawrence Ground for this season, and Kent fans hope that they can see the best of a world-class player. Nottinghamshire have shown that they believe their team to be perfect, and Stuart Broad will be looking to take many wickets this season, and impress the England selectors. But it won't just be Broad trying to impress the selectors. Notts captain, Chris Read had a small run in the England side and will be looking to gain more caps by impressing for Nottinghamshire. And Kent will have to be on their guard to keep out tricky left-arm-seamer Ryan Sidebottom.
Hampshire vs Sussex at The Rose Bowl- Division 1
A close match is on the cards between these two sides in this South Coast derby. Sussex have made just one key signing this season, that of regular Indian first-team wicketkeeper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The hard-hitting batsman will be looking to open his account in style against a decent Hampshire side. Can Rhys Williams bring success to Sussex again this year? Hampshire have been very close to winning the County Championship in the last two seasons, but will need to definitely be on their game to challenge a full-strength Sussex side.
I'd like line-ups posted and ready, please.
Warwickshire vs Worcestershire at Edgbaston- Division 2
Both teams have been fairly inactive in the transfer market, but with Warwickshire's new acquisition, Dale Steyn likely to play, Worcestershire's top order will have to be ready for some fearsome fast bowling.
Leicestershire vs Middlesex at Grace Road- Division 2
Leicestershire's new coach, Leicester Fox will be looking at a tough season with a fairly young squad. A tough opponent first up, but with record-signing Shane Bond in their side, anything can happen.
Gloucestershire vs Derbyshire at Bristol- Division 2
Derbyshire fans were overjoyed to find Zorax, the man who won the world cup with Bangladesh, as their new coach. Zorax has looked keen to strengthen his Derby outfit, with the signings of spinner Min Patel, and highly talented Sri Lankan keeper, Kumar Sangakkarra. Gloucestershire have only made one signing, that of Dwayne Smith to their versatile squad, and will look to gain promotion from Division 2 this season.
Essex vs Northamptonshire at Chelmsford- Division 2
A few eyebrows have been raised after the new Essex coach sold Ryan ten Doeschate- Prodigious Duth batsman who performed well for Holland in the World Cup, and has healthy averages in both forms of the game, and Alex Tudor- Tall fast bowler, who has also proven himself in First Class and One Day. Nevertheless, the signing of Mark Cosgrove from Glamorgan could prove a good one, as he could give a decent boost to the batting lineup. Many fans have shown their delight at Northamptonshire's capture of promising young batsman Jo Denly, from Kent. The young man performed well last season for Kent, and will be looking to score some big runs this year. Along with the signing of Denly, Northamptonshire were quick to sign South African seamer, Morne Morkel as their overseas player. Don't forget about the Monty factor, either.
Surrey vs Lancashire at The Brit Oval- Division 1
Two of the County Championship's heavyweights go head-to-head in this exciting encounter. Lancashire have shown faith in their team from last season by making absolutely no signings. Surrey have also seemed pretty confident, signing just one player- Herschelle Gibbs.
Kent vs Nottinghamshire at Canterbury- Division 1
The Kent fans have high expectations after new manager, Highlander unveiled the signings of Bermudan batsman, David Hemp from Glamorgan, South African Kolpak player, Lance Klusener from Northamptonshire. Not to mention newest signing, Pakistan spin bowling ace, Saqlain Mushtaq from Surrey. But, the biggest signing has been that of Australian captain, Ricky Ponting. There are high hopes at the St.Lawrence Ground for this season, and Kent fans hope that they can see the best of a world-class player. Nottinghamshire have shown that they believe their team to be perfect, and Stuart Broad will be looking to take many wickets this season, and impress the England selectors. But it won't just be Broad trying to impress the selectors. Notts captain, Chris Read had a small run in the England side and will be looking to gain more caps by impressing for Nottinghamshire. And Kent will have to be on their guard to keep out tricky left-arm-seamer Ryan Sidebottom.
Hampshire vs Sussex at The Rose Bowl- Division 1
A close match is on the cards between these two sides in this South Coast derby. Sussex have made just one key signing this season, that of regular Indian first-team wicketkeeper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The hard-hitting batsman will be looking to open his account in style against a decent Hampshire side. Can Rhys Williams bring success to Sussex again this year? Hampshire have been very close to winning the County Championship in the last two seasons, but will need to definitely be on their game to challenge a full-strength Sussex side.
I'd like line-ups posted and ready, please.
