Warne and Hampshire the ones to beat

The World Cup is not even over but believe it or not the County Championship begins again on Wednesday, so expect the weather to turn ugly. Seriously, though, Sussex will be out to defend their title while Hampshire, and a certain Shane Warne, will be sniffing glory.

It's never easy picking the winners at domestic level, and bet365 clearly are having trouble as well as they make Hampshire and Lancashire the joint favourites at 7/2 (4.50).

For me, the place to start is with the overseas players and Hampshire have the ultimate with Warne not only in the side but leading them for the next two years, with no international cricket to distract him.

Warne is still an absolutely fantastic player and most county batsmen haven't got a clue against him. The Australian says he is fully fit and nicely rested and the best thing about having him in the side is that he gets the best out of his team-mates, who are all inspired to be playing alongside him.

With fellow Australian Stuart Clark, who was the scourge of England in the Ashes, also in the side, they look ready to be real challengers this season.

Lancashire, led by Mark Chilton, have Brad Hodge and, of course, Muttiah Muralitharan and their all-round talents should help them to have a good season, while Sussex, who are led so well by Chris Adams, will rely on the spinning wiles of Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq and look solid contenders.

It's asking a lot for Mark Ramprakash to have as good a season this year as he did last, but if he is anywhere near that kind of form, then expect Surrey, who are 9/2, to have a chance. Led by Mark Butcher, who should also score plenty of runs, they perhaps don't have the best overseas players, but are always tough to beat, and will enjoy being back among the top sides again.

Warwickshire, who have captain Heath Streak and Kumar Sangakkara, among others, could be interesting, while expect Younis Khan to excel for Yorkshire, who are 20/1, the same price as Worcestershire.

Jent, led by Robert Key and with Andrew Hall to offer all-round support, are 25/1, while Durham are the rank outsiders at 33/1, even though they have Michael Di Venuto and of course the likes of Steve Harmison, should he be available for a few matches.

I have to say that with Warne as captain, and don't forget Kevin Pietersen available (in theory). Hampshire look the ones to beat and in all truth, 7/2 is not a bad price as they should start strongly.