Cricket: County Championship 2008

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The county cricket season kicks off this Wednesday and it begins with the County Championship. I did two threads last season with a division in each but I’m going to keep it down to one thread this season, a) because there isn’t usually a great deal of betting interest in the 4 day event and b) because there’s a lot of cricket going on over the next 6 months and too many threads may mean one or two getting lost.

I’ve got a preview for each division which will follow in separate posts shortly but 1^st of all it’s the rules and format. The Championship is split into 2 divisions of 9 teams. At the end of the season the bottom two in the 1^st division are replaced by the top 2 in Division 2. Points are given as follows:

14pts per win
7pts per tie
4 pts for a draw
0pts for a loss

Matches last a possible 4 days and are 2 innings per side with unlimited overs. Teams are given bonus points based on how they perform in the 1^st innings of each match. They are scored as follows:

Batting bonus points
200-249 runs = 1pt
250-299 runs = 2pts
300-349 runs = 3pts
350-399 runs = 4pts
400+ runs = 5pts

Bowling bonus points
3-5 wickets = 1pt
6-8 wickets = 2pts
9-10 wickets = 3pts

Bonus points only apply for the 1^st 130 overs of the 1^st innings.

Unlike previous seasons where teams have been allowed 2 overseas players at any time, the rule has been changed so counties are only allowed 1 registered overseas player at any time.

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Division 1

	Lancashire	4.5	5	4.5	4.7	4.5	4.5	4.5	5	5	5	4.5	4.5	5	5	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5	5	4.5
	Durham	5	4.5	5	5.1	5	5	5	5	5	5	5.5	5	4.5	5	5	4.33	5	5.5	5.4	6.8
	Sussex	6	5	5.5	5.7	5.5	5.5	6	6	5.5	5.5	4.5	5.5	5	5.5	5.5	5	5.5	6	6	5
	Surrey	7	8	8	7.6	7	8	7	7	8	7	6	8	8	7	8	7	8	8	8	8.2
	Somerset	10	11	10	10	11	10	10	11	10	10	10	10	11	10	10	11	10	9	11	10.5
	Yorkshire	10	9.5	8	10	10	8	10	11	8	8	11	10	9.5	8	8	10	9	9	11	11
	Hampshire	9	10	8	13	7	8	9	15	11	11	13	8.5	10	11	8	15	11	9	14	14.5
	Kent	15	13	11	14	13	11	15	10	13	13	13	15	13	13	11	13	11	13	15	13.5
	Nottinghamshire	11	13	11	14.5	11	11	11	17	11	13	10	11	13	11	11	15	11	13	16	15
Place terms		3 1/5	3 1/5	3 1/5		3 1/5	3 1/5	3 1/5	3 1/5			3 1/4	3 1/5		3 1/5	3 1/5	3 1/5

Last season was a terrific season for the Durham club. They picked up their 1^st piece of silverware when they beat Hampshire to win the Friends Provident trophy and they then followed that up by winning the 2^nd division of the Pro40. They nearly completed the treble but fell just short of Sussex on the final weekend. They relied an awful lot on veteran Ottis Gibson last season and his wickets undoubtedly contributed hugely to their success however he has retired now so the task for Durham is to have as good a season without him.

Durham have secured the services of South African batsman Neil McKenzie as their overseas player for the 1^st half of this season to replace Scott Styris and Shivnerine Chanderpaul will take over from him after the mid season break for the Twenty20 cup. Durham should be seeing Steve Harmison for almost the whole season after he’s been disgarded by England and he could go some way to replacing the loss of Ottis Gibson. He’ll be supported by ex England players Liam Plunkett and Graham Onions to form a strong bowling attack. Dale Benkenstein is a shrewd captain and if Michael Di Venuto stays fit for the whole season and the rest of the batsman contribute around him Durham should be right up there again. Paul Collingwood will be away with England for most of the season but wicket-keeper Phil Mustard could only be away during the ODI’s so he should play a big part in Durham’s championship season.

A couple of sides have strengthened this season and in a stronger and more open looking Championship I think Durham could find one or two too good again.

Last Season: 2^nd
Overseas Player(s): Neil McKenzie, Albie Morkel (Twenty20 only) & Shivnerine Chanderpaul
Key Players: Michael di Venuto & Phil Mustard
Best Odds: 9/2 Ladbrokes
Predicted Finishing Position: 3^rd

Hampshire were dealt a big blow two weeks before the season began as their influential captain Shane Warne decided to call it quits and leave the south coast club. He will be a huge loss for the Hawks and it will be a tough season for their young side. Dimitri Mascarenhas takes over the captaincy reins from Warne but he himself misses the 1^st two weeks of the season as he’s playing in the IPL and could also miss games if he retains his England ODI place.

As ever Hampshire will be depending an awful lot of the batting of John Crawley. Once again coach Paul Terry has shown faith in his batsmen by not signing anyone in the close season but on paper the batting does look a touch week. The bowling attack looks very inexperienced and Hampshire weren’t helped by the sudden retirement of James Bruce. Shaun Udal has left which leaves youngster Liam Dawson as the only recognised spinner in the squad. Shane Bond comes in for the 1^st half of the season and he’ll spearhead a young pace attack in which Chris Tremlett will hope for a good season and remind the England selectors he’s still around.

It will be hard to deal with the losses Hampshire have endured in the close season and this looks like a season of staving off relegation and hoping they can pick up a one day pot.

Last Season: 5^th
Overseas Player(s): Shane Bond & Shane Watson (Twenty20 only)
Key Players: John Crawley & Chris Tremlett
Best Odds: 14/1 Totesport/Boylesports
Predicted Finishing Position: 7^th

Kenthad a solid season last year and were worthy winners of the Twenty20 cup at Edgbaston. They nearly gained promotion in the Pro40 but struggled to stave off relegation in the Championship. Off the field problems regarding signings have taken up most of the close season at Canterbury but Kent will be hopeful ahead of the coming season.

Captain Rob Key had a great season last year and was unlucky not to go on an England tour in the winter and with opening partner Joe Denly improving by the match and a solid middle order of Martin van Jaarsveld, Darren Stevens and Matt Walker they should have the runs to compete in this division. Their bowling attack will welcome fit again Amjad Khan back and he gives them much more strength. Yasir Arafat is a reliable overseas player and kolpaks Ryan McLaren and Azhar Mahmood give Key solid options. James Tredwell has been one of the best spinners on the county circuit for years.

Kent’s season could depend on the result of Justin Kemp’s eligibility appeal. With him in their ranks they’ll be a strong one day side but I can only see a solid mid table season ahead of them in the longer game.

Last Season: 7^th
Overseas Player(s): Yasir Arafat
Key Players: Robert Key & Amjad Khan
Best Odds: 14/1 Blue Square/Paddy Power
Predicted Finishing Position: 5^th

Lancashire were famously denied the Championship last season on the final day of the season when they fell agonisingly short of a huge run chase at The Oval allowing Sussex to capitalise. They’ll hope that a change of captaincy will see a change in results for the Red Rose county who’s only other highlight last season was a finals day appearance in the Twenty20.

Stuart Law takes over the reins at Old Trafford replacing Mark Chilton and he’ll lead a young side into battle over the season ahead. Fellow Aussie, Brad Hodge will be the overseas player this season and he’ll strengthen the batting lineup but injuries and England call up’s may not help Lancashire. Mal Loye is a key player for them but he has a bad back so his appearances may be restricted while England will want the services of Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson at various stages this season. With Murali not here this year a lot will depend on Gary Keedy’s spin wizardry. In the pace attack, Dominic Cork and Glen Chapple are getting no younger so Sajid Mahmood and Kyle Hogg may need to lead the bowling attack.

Stuart Law will hope to lead Lancashire to a trophy in his 1^st season and the Old Trafford members would love it to be the Championship but a 1 day crown is more likely as their young squad may struggle for consistency and the lack of wickets from Murali could prove crucial.

Last Season: 3^rd
Overseas Player(s): Brad Hodge
Key Players: Paul Horton & Gary Keedy
Best Odds: 4/1 Bet365/Boylesports/Sportingbet/Skybet/Coral
Predicted Finishing Position: 4^th

Nottinghamshire are another side who have changed their captain in the close season but theirs was enforced with Stephen Fleming’s contract not being renewed. Last season was a disappointing one for the Trent Bridge side and Chris Read has been given the task of rejuvenating the Outlaws. Expectations will be high now that Notts are back in the top flight but this isn’t as good a side as the one which went down 2 years ago.

With David Hussey likely to miss most of the season now that he’s been called up to the Australian squad, this Notts side has pretty much lost both of their overseas players from last year so there will be a huge emphasis on runs from the likes of Wagh, Jefferson and Samit Patel. Adam Voges has come in for the start of the season but he didn’t excel when over here for Hampshire last term. The signing of Stuart Broad looked a positive one but he’s become an England regular since then as has Ryan Sidebottom so the bowling attack will be hit by England callups. Of those who aren’t with England, Andrew Harris and Charlie Shreck will need to have good seasons and Graeme Swann will need to chip in with bat and ball. Mark Ealham’s return from injury will be a welcome boost.

I’m no fan of wicket keepers captaining the side and this is a depleted side from last year and a tough season awaits the Trent Bridge faithful and it’s ultimately a season which I think will end in relegation.

Last Season: 2^nd in Division 2
Overseas Player(s): Adam Voges & David Hussey
Key Players: Mark Wagh & Charlie Shreck
Best Odds: 16/1 Boylesports
Predicted Finishing Position: 9th

Somerset strolled to the Division 2 title last season and hopes will be high going into this season however this is a strong Division 1 this year and it could be tough. A positive for them is that they’ve retained the services of captain Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick’s international retirement is a further boost for the Sabres.

In Trescothick and Langer, Somerset have two of the best batsmen in the country but the middle order does have a young look to it. James Hildreth has been around a while but he’s still improving and Neil Edwards is another youngster. That means the contribution of Ian Blackwell is vital with bat and with ball. However if Somerset get permission for Zander de Bruyn to register for them that will help their batting lineup. Andrew Caddick continues to lead the seam attack alongside Charl Willoughby with Steffan Jones as back up. Alfonso Thomas has joined this season too and the addition of West Indies all rounder Omari Banks on a kolpak looks a decent move. Youngster Craig Kieswetter could be one to watch behind the stumps this season.

Taunton’s never a place full of results and that’s hampered Somerset’s 4 day progress over the years and in this strong division it could continue to do so. Somerset’s bowling isn’t as strong as some and they could struggle to keep their heads above water this term.

Last Season: 1^st in Division 2
Overseas Player(s): Justin Langer
Key Players: Marcus Trescothick & Ian Blackwell
Best Odds: 10/1 Bet365/Totesport/Betfred/Boylesports
Predicted Finishing Position: 8^th

Surrey are making big noises about their season and those words aren’t without justification. They’ve signed well in the close season and with the youngsters they’ve blooded last season and before expectation is high going into the season. The Butcher father and son coach and captain partnership works and Surrey will be dangerous.

All eyes will be on Mark Ramprakash to see if he can replicate the form of the last two seasons. If he does then Surrey are sure to go well. Mark Butcher should contribute with the bat and the signing of Usman Afzaal makes their batting look a lot stronger. Scott Newman will hope for a good season at the top of the order while Ali Brown and James Benning are dangerous in all forms of the game. Surrey have made a couple of shrewd signings in their bowling attack in Pedro Collins and Saqlain Mushtaq, both of whom have international experience. They failed in their attempts to sign Mohammad Asif but Matt Nicholson returns and in Jordan and Dernbach they have two dangerous, young seamers. Jon Batty is solid behind the stumps and Surrey look a good all round package.

It was always going to be about adding strength in depth to last season’s squad for Surrey and having done that they could well challenge for lots of silver this season. In the four day game I think they’re the ones to beat.

Last Season: 4th
Overseas Player(s): Matt Nicholson
Key Players: Mark Ramprakash & Chris Jordan
Best Odds: 7/1 General
Predicted Finishing Position: 1^st

Sussex begin the season as defending champions in Division 1 having won an epic title last year. That was their 2^nd title in the last few years and it would take a brave man to go against them again this season. They’ve been quiet during the close season but they’ve got everything they need for a good season.

Chris Adams leads the Sharks into his last season and he’ll know Matt Prior’s exclusion from England will be a big boost to his side. Richard Montgomerie’s retirement means Chris Nash will need to score runs at the top of the innings. Murray Goodwin and Michael Yardy in the engine room have international experience and Luke Wright will chip in with solid runs. Rana Naved has left the club but they have managed to secure the services of Mushtaq Ahmed again which is key. Ryan Harris has been signed and immediately showed his worth in the MCC match and with Lewry, Kirtley and Martin Jenkins around Sussex look strong in all departments.

This side is getting on a bit though and are open to improvement from others and with that in mind I think they’ll find one too good this season but I expect a bold defence from the champions.

Last Season: 1^st
Overseas Player(s): Mushtaq Ahmed
Key Players: Matt Prior & Luke Wright
Best Odds: 5/1 Boylesports/Blue Square
Predicted Finishing Position: 2^nd

Yorkshire had a good season last term after a couple of poor seasons. The inspiration of Darren Gough clearly had an impact in the dressing room and they were fairly competitive in all competitions. The task now is to build on that and make the latter stages of competitions in what could be Darren Gough’s last season.

They’ll have to make do without the services of Younis Khan this season though and that could be a huge loss and puts a lot of pressure on the likes of Jacques Rudolph and Anthony McGrath. Yorkshire will enjoy having Michael Vaughan around when he’s not on England duty but the batting still looks a bit light. Morne Morkel has been signed for the 1^st three months of the season and he’s a great signing for the Headingley side. Along with Morkel and Darren Gough, Tim Bresnan makes up a potent seam attack. Yorkshire could also have Matthew Hoggard for long periods of the season which will help. Adil Rashid will be closely watched as he continues to build a decent reputation for himself.

Yorkshire are sure to be more competitive and will win lots of matches at Headingley with their bowling attack but there are a lot of good pitches in this division where their batting attack could be exposed and a mid table season awaits the White Rose side.

Last Season: 6th
Overseas Player(s): Morne Morkel & Rana Naved
Key Players: Anthony McGrath & Jacques Rudolph
Best Odds: 10/1 Boylesports/Ladbrokes
Predicted Finishing Position: 6^th.

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Division 2

	Middlesex	4.5	4.5	4	4.6	4.33	4	4.5	4	4.25	4.33	5	4	4.5	4.5	4	5	4.5	4.33	4.8	5.1
	Essex	5	4.5	5.5	5.2	4.5	5.5	5	5	4.5	4.5	5	4.5	4.5	4.5	5.5	4.5	4.5	4.5	5.5	6.6
	Warwickshire	5	5	3.75	4.3	4.5	3.75	5	6	4.5	5	6	5.5	5.5	5	3.75	4.33	5	5	4.5	4.6
	Derbyshire	7.5	8	8.5	8.5	9	8.5	7.5	9	9	9	7	8	7	9	8.5	8	8	8	9	9
	Worcestershire	9	7	5.5	8.5	7	5.5	9	6.5	6	6.5	7	7	6	6.5	5.5	8	6.5	7	9	6.8
	Northamptonshire	13	11	13	12	11	13	13	12	11	11	9	9	11	11	13	10	11	11	13	12
	Leicestershire	9	8.5	13	13	7.5	13	9	15	11	11	9	11	9	11	13	9	10	11	14	9.4
	Gloucestershire	12	17	15	15.5	15	15	12	13	17	15	13	17	17	15	15	15	13	15	17	18.5