Can Notts win again or will Warne inspire Hants?

There may still be plenty of rain in the air but it's that time of year again and the County Championship begins today with Nottinghamshire looking to defend the title they won so well last year.

Despite an ageing side, Notts have to be respected again this time round, though Lancashire, together with Surrey probably the most successful county side of the past 20 years, will be looking to upset the odds, as will Sussex and Hampshire.

Hampshire are actually favourites with bet365 at 4/1 (5.00) while they can't split Notts, Lancs and Warwickshire, the latter who look strong with former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak and New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori on their books. All three are 5/1 (6.00) for the title.

Lancashire will be without an overseas player until May when Australian Brad Hodge arrives, while Sussex, champions a couple of years ago, have Mushtaq Ahmed plus severl good performers including England one-day player Matt Prior.

Much of the reason for Hampshire's place at the top of the betting has to be the continued presence of spin legend Shane Warne, who enjoyed last season as captain so much he agreed to come back again.

The young players at the club clearly benefited from having him around last term and with Kevin Pietersen available inbetween England duty and with Chris Tremlett looking to impress the selectors, they deserve their place at the top.

Sussex are 15/2 (8.50), while Yorkshire are 8/1 (9.00), while Middlesex and Kent are 10/1 (11.00) but Durham, a 14/1 (15.00) chance, will do well to stay up.

Surrey will be smarting from being in the second division and it is no surprise to see them as 7/4 (2.75) favourites to come back up to the top flight.

Essex, who have the likes of Darren Gough and former Australia seamer Andy Bichel, are 3/1 (4.00) while Worcestershire, with Graeme Hick still in the fold as his 40th birthday nears, are 6/1 (7.00) and Northamptonshire are 13/2 (7.50).

Gloucestershire are 11/1 (12.00), while Somerset are 12/1 (13.00) and Glamorgan are 15/1 (16.00). Leicestershire are 20/1 (21.00) while bet365 make Derbyshire the rank outsiders at 33/1 (34.00).

In both divisions, those sides who cope best in the absence of their England players will do well, while the overseas players will have a big role to play, as ever.