With the 2002 county season now roughly four months old, Wisden Online took the chance to catch up with some leading figures in the county game – past and present - and asked them their thoughts on the season so far, and on the county scene in general. Warwickshire's overseas star Shaun Pollock claimed he was glad to be back on the county scene, even though the weather had been a bit `uncomfortable'. "I've enjoyed the experience … we've had a good season so far and are looking to continue". Despite the torrents, tedium and traffic jams, Pollock enthused at the challenge of playing in different conditions and against different players, both of which he said have improved his skills.

Bob Woolmer, who retires as Warwickshire's coach at the end of this season, highlighted the victorious Benson and Hedges campaign, with "young upstarts" Ian Bell and James Troughton mentioned in particular. On the County Championship and Warwickshire's future, Woolmer seemed optimistic: "Our season's started to take off and again it's the youngsters doing the job – which can only be good for Warwickshire's future".

Andy Flower has enjoyed his first experience of county cricket: "It's been excellent fun so far". He admitted it helped that Essex won the majority of their early season matches, and that he was pleased with his personal form. His target for the rest of the campaign: promotion to Division One and another Lord's final – well, that one's gone already Andy.

Michael Kasprowicz, now at Glamorgan after stints with Essex in 1994 and Leicestershire in 1999 - insisted he has gained a lot from the experience each time he's played in England. He also had something to say against the regular criticism of the county set up: "It's an institution that has survived all this time so it can't be that bad, everyone wants to come over and play and playing five days a week can only make you a better cricketer".

And finally, last but by no means least, Hampshire's 2000 overseas player, Shane Warne. On a quick reflection of his year at the Rose Bowl, he called it an "opportunity and honour" to represent Hampshire and that he had a "wonderful time". The only downside was their relegation from Division One but he admitted he would love to go back in the future - promising an improvement on the 431 first-class runs and 70 wickets he achieved in 2000.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd