2008 season preview

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The countdown to the domestic season is well under way, and counties are putting the finishes touches to their preparations for the new campaign.

The thrilling climax to the 2007 summer, which went down to the final half hour, may live long in the memory, but the talk in dressing rooms up and down the country will by centred around what can be achieved in 2008.

Sussex begin the season bidding for a third successive LV County Championship title, while newly-promoted Somerset and Nottinghamshire add their names to an already impressive list of challengers.

In winning the Friends Provident Trophy and the NatWest Pro40 Second Division, Durham raised the bar of expectation at the Riverside and confirmed their presence as a major force.

The summer will once again by split by the Twenty20 Cup as Kent set about defending the coveted trophy they won in such sensational fashion last year.

ecb.co.uk travelled the length and breadth of the country to find out how things are shaping up around the grounds.

	The unassuming Chris Rogers is keen to remind the Australia selectors of his worth in the abscence of Mahela Jayawardene, while new captain Rikki Clarke takes charge.
	Wicketkeeper Phil Mustard is remaining cautious about Durham's progress while England Lions seamer Graham Onions hopes to become the county's 'go-to' bowler.
	Ravi Bopara hopes to force his way back into the England team with impressive performances for Essex as they begin their bid for promotion to Division One of the championship.
	The new SWALEC stadium in Cardiff is the perfect venue for Glamorgan to improve on their recent results, according to captain David Hemp.
	Fresh from a successful tour of India with the England Lions over the winter, Steve Kirby insists he has not given up hope of winning senior international honours.
	Hampshire, having bid farewell to Shane Warne, head into the 2008 season led by a new captain, Dimitri Mascarenhas, and with England Lions batsman Michael Carberry determined to make this season his personal best.
	Captain Robert Key claims scoring runs for Kent and the prospect of an England recall is far more enticing than the lure of a money-making venture in the Indian Premier League.
	That Andrew Flintoff can even contemplate a return to the England side owes much to a detailed fitness plan implemented by Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson. Sajid Mahmood, meanwhile, harbours unfulfilled international ambitions of his own.
	Leicestershire will be without spinner Jeremy Snape for the start of the domestic campaign after he agreed to coach Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
	Coach Toby Radford is relishing the opportunity to shape the future of Middlesex, who saw club stalwart and director of cricket John Emburey leave over the winter.
	Nicky Boje wants to lead Northants to a double promotion after succeeding David Sales as captain. Boje could form a strong spin partnership with stalwart Jason Brown, in his benefit year after 14 seasons with the county.
	Nottinghamshire moved to cover David Hussey's absence at the start of the season by bringing fellow Australia batsman Adam Voges to Trent Bridge.
	Marcus Trescothick is keen to concentrate on scoring runs for Somerset following his retirement from international cricket, while Andy Caddick aims to be in the wickets again.
	Winning is the watchword at Surrey, where coach Alan Butcher is attempting to mould a squad capable of lifting a trophy, while Saqlain Mushtaq is also determined to take them back to their glory days.
	Veteran seamer Jason Lewry wants to end his Sussex career with a bang, while young opener Chris Nash is determined to become an established player in a successful side.
	Returning hero Allan Donald casts his mind back to the club's glory years as he and new director of cricket Ashley Giles attempt to forge a bright future at Edgbaston.
	Simon Jones has targeted a return the England team but director of cricket Steve Rhodes wants him to be available for his new county side whenever possible.
	Darren Gough hopes to sign off in style as he approaches the end of his glittering career, while Michael Vaughan is keen to play his part in capturing the ultimate county prize.