Division One Surrey ready to make it four in a row

Finished mid-table last season thanks to their habit of routing teams at home.

- Simon Burnton

David Bedingham hit the most runs (1,331) in Division One, with an average of 78.29, and they have strengthened their batting by signing Emilio Gay and Will Rhodes. The only problem is England keep pinching their seamers. Matt Potts and Brydon Carse are likely to be involved with the Test side and Mark Wood is out until July after knee surgery. Captain Alex Lees Coach Ryan Campbell 2024 5th 2025 rediction 5th

Essex

Essex boasted four of the top nine wicket-takers in last season's Division One - Jamie Porter topped the lot with 56. While their batting is not quite as strong, only one player in the championship scored more runs last year than Dean Elgar, who is back for more, and only one (of those who played more than three matches) averaged more than Jordan Cox. The return of Chris Silverwood adds to the sense of optimism. Captain Tom Westley Coach Chris Silverwood 2024 4th 2025 prediction 3rd

Hampshire

Third in 2022 and 2023 and runners-up last year - they lost once all season, to the champions, Surrey. Former captain James Vince has quit red-ball cricket and having also lost Mohammad Abbas, Hampshire need others to step up.

Jack Edwards, a fast-bowling allrounder, looks a good signing but will play only until the end of May; a lot rests on the experience of Liam Dawson. Captain Ben Brown Coach Adrian Birrell 2024 2nd 2025 prediction 4th

Nottinghamshire

Dodged the drop by a single place last year, but they look stronger this summer.