Bargain hunting

Relegated last autumn, Nottinghamshire returned to the top division of the Championship thanks to ferocious batting which took the pressure off the bowlers. After promotion in 2002, their newly appointed director of cricket, Mick Newell, thought his seam attack would be outstanding. It wasn't, and last winter Notts underwent considerable rebuilding.

So will they cut it this time? "I think this is a stronger squad than last time," said Newell. "I'll be watching the marketplace closely for more bargains, like Mark Ealham, and naturally if there are any better players around than those we have, then we would be interested. Overseas players are a major concern: if you can get those outside the Test sides who are young and hungry, like David Hussey, that's a boost."

Most attention is focused on Kevin Pietersen, after his well-publicised attempt to leave at the end of 2003. "We've offered him a very good contract", said Newell, "but we have been officially informed that at least two other counties want to talk to him. I don't think money will be the issue. It's about whether he wants to stay in the Midlands or move down south. We've done all we can. Now it's up to him."