I thought that this week I could look realistically at our chances in the four major competitions for the 2002 season. It probably is an appropriate time to remind you that what I say here reflects my views and not necessarily those of the club.

We are approaching next season with the most balanced squad that we have had since I became captain. This is, in itself, reason to be optimistic and excited as my options have now increased and should make us extremely competitive in any situation, at any ground and at any time of the year.

The variety, though, is not the most thrilling thing. By far the most impressive part is the quality of the squad. The batting made significant progress last year and that has been strengthened by the signing of Craig Spearman. Very often, our top six can boast at least two players that can bowl which takes the workload off the main bowlers.

The bowling department, historically, has been dominated by seam and swing bowlers but now has three spin options, all of whom can contribute significantly with the bat. The quicker bowlers have a wonderful blend of experience and youth, swing and seam and something that they all share, desire.

It sounds like a captain's dream but it also brings certain problems. Keeping an ambitious squad happy is no easy task, as players never want to miss out. Although this creates healthy competition, it can also deflate the player who feels his opportunities are not as forthcoming as those of his team-mates.

The two league competitions are most challenging, as you need to maintain your performances over a whole season. Attacking the four-day county championship tends to go in phases. Early season, the seam bowlers tend to have a more prolific role as the pitches are fresher and moister. Generally our batsmen are suited to drier conditions but in recent times have worked hard technically to make ourselves more productive in these early months.

I reckon the time is right for the batsmen to take a leading role in this first phase of the season. This is key because as we enter late June and July, we play with a lot of confidence and, combined with the final phase of the season, we record the bulk of our points.

In the National League you cannot afford to lose any momentum so the key is to `nail down' the first month and keep rolling. The strong and varied squad will enable us to play and rest players appropriately so as to maximise our challenge on a daily basis. Previously we found maintaining performance in both leagues absolutely draining and this consequently affected results.

The two knockout competitions are a different story. The last three years we have created a fantastic record, one that is envied around the country. The players respond naturally to the `sink or swim' games and it will be the same next season.

So, in summary, everything is looking bright but there is one area that I did not mention and when we do this well, I think we are the best side to watch. Catching let us down last year particularly early season. We spilled chance after chance and it stood out, as our standards are so high. I do not anticipate this happening again and this will ensure that we are the complete team. We will compete every ball, every session, every day and every game and I believe we will get what we deserve and that is promotion and more Cup success.

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