English County Cricket: My Predictions for the 2011 Division 1 Season

Will it be a lonely walk for Somerset this season?
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With the County season now in full swing, here are my predictions for the season ahead. 

This is my Division 1 prediction for the 2011 season—this season will be more evenly matched, yet again, than most seasons. With holders Nottingham hoping that they can regain the title, Somerset, Sussex and Lancashire (depending on the weather) are hoping to take the silverware.

Also, I will do ones to watch for the season from each club—this will show you the main players on the rise and also the fresher-to-watch new players that are always good to keep an eye on.

People like James Taylor and Danny Briggs have emerged over recent seasons and this season will see the emergence of some quality players who are in their early careers, like Taylor and Briggs, or are new to the scene like Reece Topley of Middlesex.

So here goes the prediction for 2011.  

Durham

Ben Stokes
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Hoping that the return of Graham Onions will spur them on to their second title in three years, Durham are as usual tipped by some as the favourites for the league.

Durham have some exciting young players mixed in with the stalwarts like Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood, who will be available for most of the season having retired from Test cricket after England's victorious winter in Australia.

The young guns this season will see the likes of Ben Stokes, Scott Borthwick and Michael Richardson bursting into the side.

Personally, I can see Durham being there or there abouts with a good mixture of youth and experience it will bring the best out of all.

Div 1 Prediction: Third

One to Watch: Ben Stokes

Fresher: Scott Borthwick 

Hampshire

Domanic Cork back to what he does best
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Evergreen Domanic Cork will be back to his day job (thank god) after his stint on ITV's Dancing On Ice. This will be a bonus for Hampshire—his whole hearted approach has set him in good stead right through his career and he will be hoping for the same again this season.

Hampshire will be looking for a decent season with the likes of Danny Briggs and James Vince becoming fast tracked by England and the return (again) of Simon Jones. This has the potential to be a good season for the county.

Personally, I think this will be another learning season for some of the younger members of the team so I am predicting a mid-table finish.

Div 1 Prediction: Seventh

One to Watch: Danny Briggs 

Fresher: Michael Bates 

Lancashire

Paul Horton
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The weather may beat them again but Lancashire are developing a squad that may not challenge this season but, with the likes of Paul Horton and Steven Croft emerging as they have been, it won't be long until their long wait for the title comes true. 

With Glenn Chapple still pulling the strings as captain and Fareez Maharoof being imported as the overseas professional, I can see Lancashire having a half decent season.

Div 1 Prediction: Sixth

One to Watch: Paul Horton

Fresher: Andrea Agathangelou

Nottinghamshire

Nottingham CCC 2011 team
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The 2010 season champions will be hoping to regain the trophy this season as well.

With the comeback of Charlie Shreck—who will be a constant threat with the ball—along with the likes of Andre Adams, Paul Franks and Samit Patel, things are looking good for Nottingham.

Nottingham will be hoping Steven Mullaney will continue his development in the first team and progress this season as well. 

Div 1 Prediction: Second

One to Watch: Alex Hales

Fresher: Steven Mullaney 

Somerset

Somerset CCC 2011
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Somerset have strengthened their squad by adding the likes of Ajantha Mendis and Steve Kirby to their ranks and emerge as my tip for the top for 2011.

With Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreath holding the fort with the bat and the aforementioned Mendis and Kirby to back them up with their bowling, Somerset have the strength to take on any attack this season.

Div 1 Prediction: First

One to Watch: James Hildreath 

Fresher: George Dockerall

Sussex

Sussex 2011
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Sussex will be hoping for back to back top finishes but, in my opinion, I can't really see it happening.

With Michael Yardy available, Sussex will count on their captain to do the business for them this season, along with the likes of Murrey Goodwin and Luke Wright to weigh in as well.

Div 1 Prediction: Eighth

One to Watch: Luke Wright

Fresher: Will Beer

Warwickshire

Will Porterfield
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Warwickshire will be without their usual suspects, Ian Bell and Jonathon Trott, for the majority of the season but have the likes of James Troughton, new arrival Will Porterfield and old head Darren Maddy to rely on.

Neil Carter, Rikki Clark, Boyd Rankin and Ant Botha will supply good back up with the ball for a decent mid-table finish.

Div 1 Prediction: Fourth

One to Watch: Will Porterfield

Fresher: Varun Chopra

Worcestershire

Alexei Kervezee
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The surprise package of Division two last season were promoted to the first tier for 2011.

With Dutchman Alexei Kervezee ready to make a big impression and Moeen Ali in there, too, they have a solid batting line-up.

I still think their surprise from last season will be too much for this season.

Div 1 Prediction: Ninth

One to Watch: Richard Jones

Fresher: Alexei Kervezee

Yorkshire

Yorkshire hope they will be avoiding defeat
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Yorkshire will do well with a young squad this season with mid-table in sights.

Adil Rashid, Ajmal Shahzad and Adam Lyth will all be looking for big things this season.

Div 1 Prediction: Fifth

One to Watch: Adam Lyth

Fresher: Azeem Rafiq