Crawley expected to bloom at Rose Bowl

Much is expected at Hampshire's beautiful Rose Bowl Ground of new arrival John Crawley.

The 5,000 members will be looking for plenty of runs from the batsman whose departure from Lancashire - the county he once captained - was so protracted.

Zimbabwean left hander Neil Johnson, the overseas player, will have to improve on his tally of 948 runs last season on a new pitch which has plenty of bounce and movement.

Nic Pothas, a 28-year-old wicketkeeperbatsman from Gauteng, has qualified through a Greek passport. He has played three one day internationals for South Africa. Now 38, captain Robin Smith is starting his 18th season and it may be his last.

Bowler Alan Mullally should be a key figure. His 64 first class wickets at 18.50 made him the leading front-line England qualified bowler last summer, while much is expected of 20-year-old seamer Chris Tremlett, the third generation of his family to play first-class cricket.

Captain: Robin Smith Coach: Jimmy Cook Overseas player: Neil Johnson (Zimbabwe) In: J Crawley (Lancs), N Pothas (S Africa, EU passport), J Tomlinson, C Brennan Out: S Francis (Somerset), Z Morris, A Sexton, J Stephenson (Essex) Batsman to watch: Nic Pothas Bowler: Chris Tremlett

PREDICTIONS County Ch'ship Div 1: Eighth Norwich Union Lge Div 2: Sixth C&G Trophy: Fourth round B&H Trophy: Quarter-finals