Pro40 Cricket

[kevshat]

Division 1: Winner

:bg_popupOptionTable('Default.aspx?market=21420390&view=all', '2', '0')'>Best odds/All odds

:bg_a(1,75525918,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66171953,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66172007,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,73372150,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66850568,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,68260899,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,68264349,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,64934666,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66172282,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,75773275,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,76560656,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,73372067,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66172300,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66172318,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66172356,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,75417928,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,75679049,0,0,1)'>

:bg_a(1,66171971,0,0,1)'>

Essex

:bg_a(0,75525918,5,2,0)'>3.5

:bg_a(0,66171953,3,1,0)'>4

:bg_a(0,66172007,3,1,0)'>4

:bg_a(0,73372150,10,3,1)'>4.33

:bg_a(0,66850568,7,2,0)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,68260899,3,1,1)'>4

:bg_a(0,68264349,33,10,1)'>4.3

:bg_a(0,64934666,3,1,0)'>4

:bg_a(0,66172282,5,2,0)'>3.5

:bg_a(0,75773275,11,4,0)'>3.75

:bg_a(0,76560656,10,3,0)'>4.33

:bg_a(0,73372067,10,3,0)'>4.33

:bg_a(0,66172300,3,1,0)'>4

:bg_a(0,66172318,5,2,1)'>3.5

:bg_a(0,66172356,5,2,0)'>3.5

:bg_a(0,75417928,3,1,1)'>4

:bg_a(0,75679049,7,2,1)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,66171971,57,20,1)'>3.85

Lancashire

:bg_a(0,75525919,4,1,0)'>5

:bg_a(0,66171954,4,1,0)'>5

:bg_a(0,66172008,4,1,0)'>5

:bg_a(0,73372154,9,2,1)'>5.5

:bg_a(0,66850573,7,2,0)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,68260900,7,2,1)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,68264350,9,2,1)'>5.5

:bg_a(0,64934668,3,1,0)'>4

:bg_a(0,66172283,4,1,0)'>5

:bg_a(0,75773279,9,2,0)'>5.5

:bg_a(0,76560657,7,2,0)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,73372071,9,2,0)'>5.5

:bg_a(0,66172301,7,2,0)'>4.5

:bg_a(0,66172319,4,1,1)'>5

:bg_a(0,66172357,4,1,0)'>5

:bg_a(0,75417927,4,1,1)'>5

:bg_a(0,75679050,22,5,1)'>5.4

:bg_a(0,66171972,26,5,1)'>6.2

Warwickshire

:bg_a(0,75525920,6,1,0)'>7

:bg_a(0,66171955,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172010,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,73372157,13,2,1)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,66850576,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,68260901,6,1,1)'>7

:bg_a(0,68264351,6,1,1)'>7

:bg_a(0,64934670,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172284,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,75773280,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,76560658,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,73372074,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,66172303,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172321,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172358,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,75417929,13,2,1)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,75679052,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,66171974,41,5,1)'>9.2

Nottinghamshire

:bg_a(0,75525921,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66171956,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172009,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,73372153,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,66850572,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,68260902,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,68264352,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,64934669,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172285,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,75773281,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,76560659,15,2,0)'>8.5

:bg_a(0,73372070,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172302,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172322,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172359,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,75417930,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,75679051,9,1,1)'>10

:bg_a(0,66171973,9,1,1)'>10

Northamptonshire

:bg_a(0,75525924,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66171958,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172012,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,73372158,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,66850570,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,68260903,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,68264353,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,64934672,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,66172287,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,75773283,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,76560661,15,2,0)'>8.5

:bg_a(0,73372075,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172305,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,66172323,9,1,1)'>10

:bg_a(0,66172361,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,75417932,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,75679054,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66171976,10,1,1)'>11

Sussex

:bg_a(0,75525922,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,66171960,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172014,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,73372155,13,2,1)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,66850574,6,1,0)'>7

:bg_a(0,68260905,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,68264356,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,64934673,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172289,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,75773282,7,1,0)'>8

:bg_a(0,76560660,15,2,0)'>8.5

:bg_a(0,73372072,13,2,0)'>7.5

:bg_a(0,66172307,6,1,0)'>7

:bg_a(0,66172325,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172362,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,75417934,15,2,1)'>8.5

:bg_a(0,75679056,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66171978,38,5,1)'>8.6

Middlesex

:bg_a(0,75525923,11,1,0)'>12

:bg_a(0,66171957,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172011,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,73372151,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,66850569,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,68260904,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,68264354,9,1,1)'>10

:bg_a(0,64934671,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172286,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,75773284,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,76560662,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,73372068,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,66172304,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172320,7,1,1)'>8

:bg_a(0,66172360,8,1,0)'>9

:bg_a(0,75417931,8,1,1)'>9

:bg_a(0,75679053,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66171975,11,1,1)'>12

Durham

:bg_a(0,75525926,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,66171961,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172015,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,73372156,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66850575,9,1,0)'>10

:bg_a(0,68260907,11,1,1)'>12

:bg_a(0,68264355,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,64934675,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,66172290,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,75773285,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,76560663,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,73372073,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172308,10,1,0)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172326,14,1,1)'>15

:bg_a(0,66172364,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,75417935,12,1,1)'>13

:bg_a(0,75679057,15,1,1)'>16

:bg_a(0,66171979,20,1,1)'>21

Glamorgan

:bg_a(0,75525925,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,66171959,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,66172013,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,73372152,14,1,1)'>15

:bg_a(0,66850571,16,1,0)'>17

:bg_a(0,68260906,12,1,1)'>13

:bg_a(0,68264357,11,1,1)'>12

:bg_a(0,64934674,16,1,0)'>17

:bg_a(0,66172288,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,75773286,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,76560664,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,73372069,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,66172306,14,1,0)'>15

:bg_a(0,66172324,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,66172363,12,1,0)'>13

:bg_a(0,75417933,10,1,1)'>11

:bg_a(0,75679055,17,1,1)'>18

:bg_a(0,66171977,33,2,1)'>17.5

Each-way terms:

3 at 1/4

3 at 1/4

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/4

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/5

3 at 1/4

Division 2: Winner

:bg_popupOptionTable('Default.aspx?market=21420399&view=all', '2', '0')'>Best odds/All odds :bg_a(1,75525928,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66171963,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66172017,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,73372161,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66850582,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,68260909,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,64934679,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66172291,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,75773287,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,76560666,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,73372078,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66172309,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66172327,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,66172366,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,75417937,0,0,1)'> :bg_a(1,75679069,0,0,1)'> Hampshire :bg_a(0,75525928,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,66171963,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172017,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,73372161,7,2,1)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66850582,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,68260909,7,2,1)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,64934679,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172291,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,75773287,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,76560666,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,73372078,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172309,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172327,7,2,1)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172366,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,75417937,7,2,1)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,75679069,18,5,1)'>4.6 Surrey :bg_a(0,75525927,3,1,0)'>4 :bg_a(0,66171962,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172016,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,73372165,4,1,1)'>5 :bg_a(0,66850586,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,68260908,10,3,1)'>4.33 :bg_a(0,64934681,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,66172292,3,1,0)'>4 :bg_a(0,75773290,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,76560665,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,73372082,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,66172314,4,1,0)'>5 :bg_a(0,66172328,10,3,1)'>4.33 :bg_a(0,66172365,7,2,0)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,75417936,7,2,1)'>4.5 :bg_a(0,75679065,21,5,1)'>5.2 Gloucestershire :bg_a(0,75525929,5,1,0)'>6 :bg_a(0,66171967,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,66172019,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,73372159,11,2,1)'>6.5 :bg_a(0,66850580,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,68260912,7,1,1)'>8 :bg_a(0,64934685,6,1,0)'>7 :bg_a(0,66172294,5,1,0)'>6 :bg_a(0,75773298,11,2,0)'>6.5 :bg_a(0,76560668,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,73372076,11,2,0)'>6.5 :bg_a(0,66172310,6,1,0)'>7 :bg_a(0,66172330,13,2,1)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,66172370,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,75417941,7,1,1)'>8 :bg_a(0,75679077,8,1,1)'>9 Kent :bg_a(0,75525932,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,66171966,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,66172020,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,73372166,6,1,1)'>7 :bg_a(0,66850587,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,68260911,7,1,1)'>8 :bg_a(0,64934683,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,66172295,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,75773296,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,76560669,15,2,0)'>8.5 :bg_a(0,73372083,6,1,0)'>7 :bg_a(0,66172311,6,1,0)'>7 :bg_a(0,66172331,13,2,1)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,66172369,6,1,0)'>7 :bg_a(0,75417939,6,1,1)'>7 :bg_a(0,75679076,8,1,1)'>9 Worcestershire :bg_a(0,75525931,15,2,0)'>8.5 :bg_a(0,66171965,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,66172021,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,73372160,7,1,1)'>8 :bg_a(0,66850581,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,68260910,6,1,1)'>7 :bg_a(0,64934684,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,66172293,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,75773300,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,76560667,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,73372077,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,66172316,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,66172329,11,2,1)'>6.5 :bg_a(0,66172368,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,75417938,13,2,1)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,75679072,8,1,1)'>9 Yorkshire :bg_a(0,75525930,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,66171964,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,66172018,7,1,0)'>8 :bg_a(0,73372167,9,1,1)'>10 :bg_a(0,66850588,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,68260913,8,1,1)'>9 :bg_a(0,64934682,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,66172296,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,75773303,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,76560670,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,73372084,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,66172315,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,66172333,9,1,1)'>10 :bg_a(0,66172367,13,2,0)'>7.5 :bg_a(0,75417940,7,1,1)'>8 :bg_a(0,75679071,9,1,1)'>10 Somerset :bg_a(0,75525933,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66171968,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66172022,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,73372164,10,1,1)'>11 :bg_a(0,66850585,8,1,0)'>9 :bg_a(0,68260914,8,1,1)'>9 :bg_a(0,64934686,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66172297,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,75773305,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,76560671,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,73372081,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66172317,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,66172332,10,1,1)'>11 :bg_a(0,66172371,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,75417942,9,1,1)'>10 :bg_a(0,75679080,11,1,1)'>12 Leicestershire :bg_a(0,75525934,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66171969,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,66172023,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,73372162,10,1,1)'>11 :bg_a(0,66850583,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,68260915,12,1,1)'>13 :bg_a(0,64934687,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,66172298,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,75773308,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,76560672,9,1,0)'>10 :bg_a(0,73372079,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,66172312,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,66172334,11,1,1)'>12 :bg_a(0,66172372,11,1,0)'>12 :bg_a(0,75417943,12,1,1)'>13 :bg_a(0,75679081,14,1,1)'>15 Derbyshire :bg_a(0,75525935,14,1,0)'>15 :bg_a(0,66171970,16,1,0)'>17 :bg_a(0,66172024,16,1,0)'>17 :bg_a(0,73372163,14,1,1)'>15 :bg_a(0,66850584,10,1,0)'>11 :bg_a(0,68260916,18,1,1)'>19 :bg_a(0,64934688,12,1,0)'>13 :bg_a(0,66172299,14,1,0)'>15 :bg_a(0,75773311,18,1,0)'>19 :bg_a(0,76560673,14,1,0)'>15 :bg_a(0,73372080,14,1,0)'>15 :bg_a(0,66172313,14,1,0)'>15 :bg_a(0,66172335,16,1,1)'>17 :bg_a(0,66172373,16,1,0)'>17 :bg_a(0,75417944,16,1,1)'>17 :bg_a(0,75679084,21,1,1)'>22 Each-way terms: 3 at 1/4 3 at 1/4 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/4 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/4 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/5 3 at 1/4

The Format <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Previously known as the John Player League, Sunday League, Totesport League and National League, Pro40 returns to provide us with 1day County Cricket for the rest of the season. Having previously been 55overs, 50overs, 40overs and 45overs we are back to 40overs per side this year. Fielding restrictions are in place for the 1st 15overs of each innings. There are 2 divisions, each filled with 9 sides. Scotland have been dropped from this competition now leaving 18 sides split into the 2 divisions. Each side plays each other only once as opposed to previous seasons where teams have played each other twice. Points are awarded with 2pts for a win, 1pt for a tie or no result (rained off) and 0pts for a loss. At the end of the season the top 2 in Division 2 replace the bottom 2 from Division 1. The final match of the Pro40 season then sees a playoff take place between 7th place in Division 1 and 3rd place in Division 2. The winner of that match takes the remaining spot in Division 1 next season. As always, if games are effected by rain then the Duckworth-Lewis system will be used to decide matches.

[kevshat]

Re: Pro40 Cricket The Teams

Many of the Pro40 matches are live on Sky so I’ve done a brief write up of all the sides to help anyone wanting a bet.

Division 1

Durham have already had a good run in the C&G Trophy this season and had only Lancashire ahead of them in the North section when the league stages ended. Having gained promotion last season they will be eager to achieve a position high enough to keep them in Division 1.

Durham are a young side who will undoubtedly improve in years to come but the loss of their 3 England players will be very tough to overcome and I think at best this will be a season of trying to fight off relegation. If their batting line up can fire then the safety of mid-table is achievable but if it doesn’t relegation beckons.

Last season: 2^nd in Div 2

Key players: Jimmy Maher & Dale Benkenstein

Best Odds: 14/1 (Bet365, Betfred, Skybet & Totesport)

Predicted finishing position: 9^th.

Last seasons National League winners Essex come into this as deserved favourites. They’ve had a good 1day season to date, finishing 3^rd in the C&G South Division and topping the South Group of the Twenty20.

Confidence is soaring at Chelmsford right now and they know how to win games. Having rivals Lancashire at home could prove to be a help and if they can pick up maximum points at home they will be in the title shake-up.

Last season: 1^st

Key Players: Ronnie Irani & Darren Gough Best Odds: 7/2 (Blue Square)

Predicted finishing position: 1st

2004 Champions, Glamorgan are having a tough season. Finishing only above Ireland in the C&G South Division, they suffered more disappointment in the Twenty20 by failing to convert a good start to the competition into qualification.

The Dragons of 2006 are a developing side and confidence can easily disappear. Captain Robert Croft will need to be at his best to carry this side along and experienced players Hemp and Powell will be required to have good seasons with the bat if the Welsh county are to remain among the elite. Having 3 of their 4 home games against sides expected to be down the bottom will help them but ultimately a season of struggle beckons I fear.

Last season: 4^th

Key Players: David Hemp & Robert Croft

Best Odds 16/1 (Blue Square & Ladbrokes)

Predicted finishing position: 8^th Lancashire already have a chance of 1day silverware this season when they travel to Lords to take on Sussex in the C&G final and will want to use the momentum gained in that to have a good Pro40 season. Having failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Twenty20 they’ll hope the return of key players will give them the necessary boost in this.

There will be no Andrew Flintoff for much of the Pro40 but England 1day International, Sajid Mahmood may well be available for much of the season. The key for Lancashire this season will be scoring enough runs as their bowling attack is a bit young to be relied upon to win matches. Lancashire have lots of firepower in their lineup and will need it to be successful this season. While they are a side capable of winning the title when at their best, inconsistency has dogged them in recent seasons which may mean they fall just short of what is required to be Champions.

Last season: 6^th

Key Players: Mal Loye & Stuart Law

Best Odds: 9/2 (Sporting Odds, Premierbet & Expekt)

Predicted finishing position: 3^rd

Last years runners-up Middlesex had a good start to the season finishing runners-up to Sussex in the C&G South Division but then had a terrible Twenty20 notching up only 1 win as they were left marooned at the bottom of the South Group.

The Crusaders will be boosted by the return to action of Ed Joyce and with Shah, Dalrymple and Styris they have a good batting lineup but inexperience in their bowling attack and the loss of captain Ben Hutton to injury are both things Middlesex could do without. Middlesex’s fortunes could depend on England call up’s late in the season.

Last season: 2^nd

Key Players: Ed Joyce & Jamie Dalrymple

Best Odds: 12/1 (Premierbet)

Predicted finishing position: 7^th

Northants’ season started off poorly with a miserable C&G campaign in which they managed only 1 win, over Derbyshire. Things improved in Twenty20 as they qualified for the Quarter Finals in style. Their batting line up has started to fire and confidence will be high running into Pro40.

At the top of their form the Steelbacks have a good, solid batting line up and in Phillips and Brown they have solid bowlers. Sides will have a hard time taking points away from Wantage Rd and if they can pick up some points on the road they too can challenge for the title. However I fancy they’ll find a few too good when the season has ended.

Last season: 3^rd

Key Players: David Sales & Lance Klusener

Best Odds: 9/1 (Blue Square, Ladbrokes, Stan James & Totesport)

Predicted finishing position: 5^th

Nottinghamshire are having a great 1day season, a good, solid 4^th in the C&G division was followed by a great Twenty20 where they qualified as best runner-up. Although traditionally renowned as a 4day side in recent seasons they’ve suddenly come alive in the shorter formats of the game.

The Outlaws have a great captain in Stephen Fleming, whose runs will be vital and in David Hussey and Graeme Swann they have a couple of solid 1day players. Their bowling attack is good and with the knowledge of Fleming sides may not score as many against them as they will other sides. There’s no England call up’s to worry about and while the title may be beyond them this season a mid-table finish certainly isn’t.

Last Season: 5^th

Key Players: Stephen Fleming & Mark Ealham

Best Odds: 9/1 (Blue Square & Premierbet)

Predicted finishing position: 4^th

Last season’s Division 2 Champions Sussex have taken that form into this season. They’ve already qualified for the C&G Trophy final and were very unlucky not to qualify from their Twenty20 group. Ultimately injuries cost them in that but with key players returning a good run in Pro40 is almost a certainty.

A side with not many stars but a solid and dependable captain, reliable batting line up led by the ever impressive Murray Goodwin and a solid bowling line up, not many sides will find Sussex easy to beat. Home matches against title rivals Essex and Lancashire could be vital and I expect a good showing from the Sharks here.

Last Season: Div 2 Champions

Key Players: Murray Goodwin & Yasir Arafat

Best Odds: 10/1 (Expekt & Totesport)

Predicted finishing position: 2nd

By their standards Warwickshire are having a poor season this season. Having reached the C&G final last season and gained promotion to Div 1 of Pro40 they’ve not gone on from there thus far. Failure to qualify for the next stage of both the C&G and Twenty20 represents a poor season so they’ll be eager to salvage their season in this.

The Bears have not been helped by injuries and if they are to do anything in this then Nick Knight will be key. He needs to be backed up well by the promising Jon Trott and Jim Troughton. If England don’t call Ian Bell up all summer that will be a boost. A fairly good bowling attack can restrict sides and while I think the title is well beyond them, a mid-table finish shouldn’t be if they perform to their best.

Last Season: 3^rd in Div 2

Key Players: Nick Knight & Heath Streak

Best Odds: 7/1 (Betdirect, Blue Square, Ladbrokes, Premierbet, Stan James, Totesport & VC)

Predicted finishing position: 6th

Division 1 could turn into a tale of 2 divisions. The top 3 could well pull away from the rest and the bottom 6 will fight it out to avoid relegation. I think Essex are solid favourites and see only 2 real challengers. The intriguing part of this division could be the relegation battle and it will be interesting to see how events pan out.

Division 1 begins on 18^th July when Champions Essex take on Northants.

Division 2

Derbyshire come into Pro40 having their best overall season in a long while. Coach Houghton has got them playing good cricket. They had a solid C&G, winning more than they lost but disappointed in the Twenty20. They bounced straight back from that in the Championship this week and they’ll look to continue the momentum they’ve gained this season here.

The Scorpions will be pleased to see the return of Travis Birt at the end of July and he along with Taylor and Di Venuto can provide good runs for the bowlers to defend. Graham Wagg and Graeme Welch are canny cricketers and Botha and Gray fairly economical. In such a tightly packed league winning home games will be vital and if they can do that who knows what can happen, however more realistically a mid-table position can be expected for Derby.

Last Season: 5^th

Key Players: Michael Di Venuto & Travis Birt

Best Odds: 18/1 (Coral & Premierbet)

Predicted finishing position: 6^th

Gloucestershire are having a fine 1day season. For many years in the late 90’s and early years of this decade they ruled the 1day game and are showing signs of that form this season. Solid without being spectacular in the C&G they then blitzed their Twenty20 group and confidence will be high in Bristol for a good tilt at promotion in this.

The Gladiators have a huge amount of batting talent at their disposal. Ian Harvey, Craig Spearman, Chris Taylor and Alex Gidman are all excellent batsmen who can occupy the crease for long periods of time and score quickly. In England hopeful Jon Lewis they have a good bowler and a solid attack chipping in around him. If they make a good start Gloucestershire will take some stopping and I can see this being a very good season for the West-Country side.

Last Season: 7^th in Div 1

Key Players: Ian Harvey & Craig Spearman

Best Odds: 7/1 (Betdirect, Betfred, Blue Square, Coral, VC & William Hill)

Predicted finishing position: 1^st

Hampshire come into Pro40 on the back of a 4^th placed finish in the C&G South Division. Having rested key players in the Twenty20 we may as well ignore that but those players will be back in this hoping to go back to Division 1 at the 1^st time of asking.

With Shane Warne captaining the Hawks, Hampshire won’t die wondering. In Sean Ervine they have one of the best all-rounders in the country and Dimmi Mascarenhas is another not far behind him. Overseas star Dominic Thornely will contribute with the bat as will John Crawley giving Hampshire a good all round side. Consistency is their problem though and it could be that which denies them promotion when all is said and done.

Last Season: 9^th in Div 1

Key Players: John Crawley & Sean Ervine

Best Odds: 4/1 (Bet365 & Paddy Power)

Predicted finishing position: 4th

Kent come into the competition in the midst of their best 1day season for some time. Always a threat in the 4 day game they’ve really come to the party in the 1day competitions this season. Having won 4 of their C&G games, they then qualified for the Quarter Finals of Twenty20 and have every chance of making finals day.

Graham Ford has made some clever signings, perhaps none more so than Martin van Jaarsveld on a longer term contract. He’s as flowing and natural a batsman as you’ll see. In Rob Key they have a dependable captain and Walker and Stevens give the batting extra oomph. Amjad Khan continues to improve with the ball and overseas stars Dwayne Bravo and Tyron Henderson will look to play key roles. The good times appear to be returning to Canterbury and I expect the Spitfires to be there or thereabouts in the final shake-up.

Last season: 8^th

Key Players: Martin van Jaarsveld & Darren Stevens

Best Odds: 8/1 (Bet365, Blue Square & Ladbrokes)

Predicted finishing position: 3^rd

The new format is perfect for Leicestershire. They often start seasons slowly and then motor home after the Twenty20 break. A good but not spectacular C&G was followed by the usual excellent Twenty20 run in which they topped the group and they are hitting their straps at the right time.

Captained by Jeremy Snape this year, the Foxes have a good attack for this competition and if the likes of Maddy, Ackerman and Nixon can score good runs many a side will get turned over by Leicester in this. Unfortunately for them though this year’s renewal is much stronger and I can see a few being a bit too good for them. Again winning home games will be key but travelling to places like Surrey and Somerset doesn’t suit their game and a good solid mid-table position would be my expectation for the Foxes in this.

Last season: 4^th

Key Players: Darren Maddy & HD Ackerman

Best Odds: 12/1 (Betdirect, Betfred, Blue Square, Coral, Ladbrokes, Premierbet, Stan James & William Hill)

Predicted finishing position: 5^th

Somerset come into Pro40 with a good 1day reputation however that hasn’t been converted into results in the National League recently. They aren’t helped by their form coming into this which is poor. Mid-table in their C&G Group and a failure to qualify for finals day in the Twenty20 means the Sabres need to make something happen here to give their season any sign of being a good season.

Their batting line up has showed it can be very dynamic, Cameron White especially has shone with the willow this season but their bowling attack continues to go round the park in all competitions. News that Keith Parsons has broken a hand isn’t good either. On their day Somerset can be World beaters, unfortunately their day doesn’t happen as often as it should for a side with their ability and with more consistent and better sides in the league, a season languishing towards the bottom lies in store for the Cidermen.

Last season: 6^th

Key Players: Cameron White & Charl Willoughby

Best Odds: 12/1 (Stan James)

Predicted finishing position: 8^th

Surrey are another side with a huge reputation who haven’t delivered recently. A very poor C&G campaign was followed by a struggle to qualify for the Twenty20 Knockouts. To their credit, however, they did qualify and that could be the platform for them to build on.

Their top 3 batsmen are the most exciting, destructive 3 in the league and if they get going no side will compete with them, however, if they are split up early, back up plans are few and far between. The Brown Caps will be hoping Anil Kumble can keep things tight and help fellow spinners Doshi and Salisbury out. One problem Surrey have shown recently is an inability to defend runs at The Oval and if this isn’t ironed out a potentially promising season will turn into a disappointing one. Too many “if’s” surround Surrey and I fancy another season in mid-table beckons.

Last Season: 7^th

Key Players: James Benning & Alastair Brown

Best Odds: 4/1 (Blue Square, Sporting Odds, Stan James and Premierbet)

Predicted finishing position: 7^th

Worcestershire, another side relegated from Division 1 last season have been unlucky in their 1day season so far. A much improved C&G performance was followed by a Twenty20 run where they were right in most matches but failed to get the job done. They’ll hope they can sort that out as they go into Pro40.

For the Royals, the return of Phil Jaques from International duty will be a huge plus. With he, Hick and Solanki, they have 3 run machines and with good county bowlers and a very good bowler in India International Zaheer Khan, they have an attack which can win matches. Matches at New Rd tend to be high scoring matches and if Jaques comes back in the same form as he went away in Worcester will take some beating. If they play to their potential a quick return to Division 1 will be on the cards.

Last season: 8^th in Div 1

Key Players: Phil Jaques & Vikram Solanki

Best Odds: 8/1 (Paddy Power)

Predicted finishing position: 2^nd

Yorkshire are another side having a poor season. A poor C&G performance was followed by Twenty20 qualification although it must be said that was from the poorest of the 3 groups. They failed to land a blow in this last season and they’ll want to improve on that.

The Phoenix have good players all through their side but as a unit they don’t seem to be performing to their maximum. Maybe the Twenty20 will give them confidence to take into this and runs from McGrath and Lehmann will be helpful. In Jason Gillespie, Yorkshire have a true wicket taker and Dawson and Bresnan are good at this level too. Each year though we say if Yorkshire can put it all together they’ll go well but each year they fail to do so. There’s been little indication this will be the year so far and a season in the doldrums await the Yorkshiremen once more I feel.

Last Season: 9^th

Key Players: Anthony McGrath & Darren Lehmann

Best Odds: 9/1 (Bet365, Sporting Odds, Skybet & Totesport)

Predicted finishing position: 9^th

This is one of the tightest, closest divisions I’ve seen in this competition for ages. I fancy Gloucestershire to be the side who run out champions but there are lots of dangers to them. If Surrey or Somerset start firing then they’ll also be tough to beat. It’s a league where you can make a case for all 9 sides pretty much and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all transpires.

Division 2 begins on Weds 19^th July when Worcestershire take on Gloucestershire.