County Championship 2023: team-by-team guide to the new season

Captain Tom Westley (Championship and 50-over Cup) Coach: Anthony McGrath Last season: 4th

After winning the County Championship in 2017 and 2019, and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020, Essex have had a couple of quieter years, combined with trouble off the field – the report on historic racist abuse is still awaiting publication. Run-scoring has been their biggest problem, with Alastair Cook the only man to get close to notching 1,000 last year. Sam Cook and Simon Harmer munch batsmen like peanuts, but after the soggiest of Marchs, Harmer is unlikely to find too many friendly wickets early season. New Zealand bowler Doug Bracewell gets a last-minute call up after a stress fracture ruled out Will Sutherland.Prediction: 4th

Captain: James Vince (Championship and Blast) Coach: Adi Birrell Last season: 3rd

Fifty years since they last got their hands on the Championship trophy, hopes are high at the Rose Bowl that this is their summer. Hampshire won more games than any team last year, and drew only one, so the change in the points system could work in their favour. The formidable trio of Keith Barker, Kyle Abbott and Mohammad Abbas all took 50 wickets in 2022 and much depends on their fitness, though talented young colts pace the training yard. James Vince will need some assistance in the runs engine-room and eyes are on the stylish and fully fit Aneurin Donald.Prediction: Champions

Captain: Sam Billings (Championship and Blast) Coach: Matt Walker Last season: 5th

For the first time in a generation, teams arriving at Canterbury will not have to worry about Darren Stevens showing them an old dog’s new tricks, with Kent retiring the No 3 shirt in his honour. Michael Hogan has the dubious pleasure of running in on Canterbury’s