FOR Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire's presence at the top of the championship table must come as a relief, if not a surprise.
They play a much-vaunted Surrey at the Oval today as the only side to have won a four-day game, even if the weather has been mostly responsible for their eminence.
When Alleyne took over as Gloucestershire's fourth captain in four seasons his team were written off before they had started, but he insisted: ``We're so much better than we've been given credit for.''
There is one striking similarity between Alleyne's team and Leicestershire, who won the title last year against wider expectation. Both sides are closely knit, socialising with each other as a matter of course, even in the close season.
Alleyne said he was ``speechless with joy'' when his ambition to be captain was confirmed; as with James Whitaker last season, he is a leader with humility who encourages the new- fangled dressing-room democracy.
He has stopped short of using the Leicestershire huddle, when the whole team gather round, arms on shoulders, at the fall of a wicket, and Gloucestershire even appeared to mock the huddle during their recent championship match at Leicester.
Alleyne, a high-quality all-rounder and product of Haringey Cricket College in London, said: ``You need the whole team gelling off the field and staying together in the season. Two or three results usually turn on character and spirit.''
Gloucestershire seem to have made a well-judged choice for overseas player. Shaun Young, the Tasmanian all-rounder, has fitted in well with four fifties and a breezy personality.
Nick Knight captains Warwickshire on his return from injury during the continued absence of Tim Munton, and he has a terrible start to repair against Yorkshire at Headingley.
Mike Watkinson, who missed the Benson and Hedges Cup programme with an arm injury, returns as Lancashire's captain against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.
Seam-bowler Martin Thursfield could make his championship debut for an injury-hit Sussex against Somerset at Taunton, if Vasbert Drakes fails to recover from a side strain.
Hampshire also have injury problems, with Cardigan Connor, their best bowler, out with a knee injury. Jason Laney, opening batsman, is doubtful with a bruised hand for the match against Leicestershire at Southampton. Matthew Keech, another batsman, is out for three weeks with a dislocated and chipped thumb.