Notts remain a formidable outfit

Revolving door
Chris Cairns is back for a farewell visit to Trent Bridge as an earlyseason locum for Stephen Fleming. The Pakistan batsman Younis Khan and the young seamer Richard Hodgkinson are the only departures from the squad that won the Championship last season.

Winter wonderland
Nottinghamshire have joined Nottingham rugby club in developing the county's nursery ground at Lady Bay in the shadow of Trent Bridge. The rugby club have sold Beeston, their home for 100 years, for housing and will relocate to Lady Bay next season.

Strengths
Experienced reserves such as David Alleyne and Anurag Singh help Nottinghamshire absorb injuries. The return of Charlie Shreck after a season out with back problems and a hoped-for return to form for Paul Franks will strengthen an already strong quick-bowling department.

Weaknesses
The lack of an experienced left-arm spinner to complement Graeme Swann's off-spin may be a concern if conditions are less friendly for swing and seam this season.

Best-case scenario Becoming the first side since Surrey in 2000 to mount a successful title defence.

Worst-case scenario Difficult to see Nottinghamshire emulating Yorkshire in 2002 by being relegated the season after winning the title but there will be no element of surprise this year. One-day form has been patchy at best and a lack of athleticism in the field may prevent them challenging for honours.

Young one to watch Will Smith. Has played only three Championship matches since he made his county debut in 2002. Waited patiently for his chance and this may be his breakthrough year. Gave a hint of his potential by making 156 for Durham UCCE against Somerset last season.

Key man
Stephen Fleming. Ensured Kevin Pietersen's runs were not missed last year by scoring heavily and quickly. A hardened international captain made Notts tough, uncompromising opponents.

What they say
"Retaining the Championship is going to be a big challenge for us," says director of cricket Mick Newell. "When you look down the list of sides who have won backto- back titles in recent years there aren't many and you realise how difficult a challenge it is."

Mark Wagh Difficult not to see Notts doing very well again this year. Super players all through the line-up, led by the incomparable Fleming. Unlikely to be affected by international calls, they should retain that winning feeling from last year, though it can be difficult to follow up a winning season. Having used relatively few players last year, they might have a problem if there are injuries to key players. Nevertheless a formidable outfit.

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