The domestic cricket season begins this week with the 2024 Vitality County Championship starting on Friday.
Here are the most compelling stories to keep tabs on as the action begins.
Is it three wins in a row for Stewart's final performance?
Alec Stewart will leave his position as Surrey's director of cricket at the end of the year, marking the end of an era. As the former England captain, he is considered the most prominent figure in the county's modern history. Surrey has dominated the championship for the past two seasons, and the team is determined to secure a third successive title in his honor. Stewart expressed his confidence in the team's ability to achieve this goal, stating, 'We'll give it a red hot go. I know the appetite is there from the players. Is it going to be harder again? Definitely, because every side wants to beat us.'
Spin conundrum in England
During the recent tour of India, England's Test coach Brendon McCullum stated that it would be 'slightly mad' if the progress made by rookie spinners Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed were hindered by a lack of overs early in the domestic campaign. However, it is difficult to be too optimistic about their short-term prospects. After finishing as England's leading wicket-taker in his debut series, Hartley's future at Lancashire is uncertain due to the signing of Nathan Lyon. Despite Cricket Australia's workload intervention, Lyon will be available for seven of the first nine rounds. At Taunton, Bashir may have to serve as a drinks runner until England's top-ranked spinner, Jack Leach, returns to full fitness. Ahmed may have a clearer path at Leicestershire now that Callum Parkinson has departed, but he may not be fully prepared to take on the role of a front-line bowler in home conditions. As always, the lack of emphasis on spin in county cricket.
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There will likely be much speculation about the identity of England's Test wicketkeeper during the summer. Jonny Bairstow's long-term status is uncertain, and Ben Foakes' excellent performance in India was undermined by modest returns with the bat. Phil Salt, like Bairstow, is away at the Indian Premier League at the start of the English season, leaving the door open for a host of up-and-coming players to compete for the position. Durham's Ollie Robinson was the first choice for the England Lions over the winter and plays an ultra-aggressive 'Bazball' style. The same is true of Foakes' Surrey teammate Jamie Smith, while James Rew has been tipped for great things after a breakout 2023 season at Somerset. Let the battle commence.
Will stars shine for Yorkshire?
Yorkshire has had a tough time lately, with the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal causing a lot of problems. They were relegated to Division Two in 2022 and had an underwhelming promotion push last season. Darren Gough has been removed as director of cricket. However, there are two reasons for optimism: Harry Brook and Joe Root. After leaving the IPL, two of the best batsmen in the country will be playing in five first-class games each during the first seven rounds, including four games together. It is highly likely that they will significantly improve the standard of play and help the White Rose team position themselves for a return to the top-flight.
Durham is back in the place where it belongs
Durham's return to the top table of English cricket has sparked a tangible feeling of righteous indignation. In 2016, the club faced grave financial problems and was penalised with enforced relegation and a draconian 48-point penalty for the following season. This led to a talent drain, and hopes of a comeback were further affected by coronavirus complications. They have returned to a position they have never lost on the sports field, with a progressive coach in Ryan Campbell and a fearless squad powered by Test hopefuls Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson. Every point will be a sweet taste for fans who have rightly felt aggrieved for eight years.