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

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

Michael Regan/Getty Images

CHESTER-LE-STREET, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: APRIL 06: APRIL 06: Ben Stokes poses for a portrait during the Durham CCC photocall at The Riverside on April 6, 2011 in Chester-le-Street, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Dominic Cork of Hampshire hits the ball towards the boundary during the LV County Championship Division One match between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire at Trent Bridge on April 14, 2011 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by

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

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Paul Horton of Lancashire CCC poses for a portrait during the Lancashire CCC photocall held at Old Trafford on March 31, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

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

Michael Regan/Getty Images

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: The Nottinghamshire squad pose during the Nottinghamshire CCC photocall at Trent Bridge on April 12, 2011 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

TAUNTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Members of the Somerset team pose for a group photograph during the Somerset CCC Photocall at the County Ground on April 7, 2011 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

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

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

HOVE, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: The Sussex squad poses for a team photo during the Sussex CCC Photocall on April 12, 2011 in Hove, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Will Porterfield of Warwickshire poses for a portrait during a photocall at Edgbaston on April 7, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

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

Stu Forster/Getty Images

WORCESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Worcestershire CCC player Alexei Kervezee poses for his head shot during the photocall at New Road on April 7, 2011 in Worcester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

LONDON - MAY 24: Jon Batty (R) of Surrey in action during the LV County Champiopnship Division One match between Surrey CCC v Yorkshire CCC at The Brit Oval on May 24, 2008 in London, England. (Photo Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

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