Cricket: 2003 predictions

By Jonny Saunders BBC Sport cricket reporter

FUTURE STARS

James Anderson
England's new bowling sensation. There has already been plenty of hyperbole about Lancashire's young fast bowler but expect to see him rise and rise in 2003.

England are impressed with his pace and intelligence. Keep every finger crossed that he avoids injury.

Anderson facts

Born:
30 July 1982, Burnley, Lancashire

Bat: Left Hand

Bowl: Right Arm Fast Medium

First class wickets: 50

First class bowling average: 22.28

2003 County fixtures

Tim Ambrose
Sussex's young wicketkeeper batsman scored two hundreds last summer and 798 runs in total.

Still young but has a good temperament. Must be something to do with his Australian upbringing. Highly rated down on the South Coast and tipped by many to succeed Alec Stewart.

Will Jefferson
Giant Essex batsman. At six foot 10 not an easy man to miss. Right hand bat who many are predicting great things of at Chelmsford.

Averaged just under 40 last season with a highest score of 165 not out and has the perfect coach in Graham Gooch. Certain to make a big impression.

Academy: The stars of 2003

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PREDICTIONS

Who can stop the Aussies?
The World Cup is cricket's big event and the smart money is on holders Australia, who continue to play cricket at a different level to any other team in the world.

The fervent home support means South Africa will probably provide the sternest opposition to the Australians - but if you want an outside bet, try New Zealand.

Fleming facts

Born:
1 April 1973, Christchurch, Canterbury

Bat: Left Hand

Bowl: Right Arm Slow Medium

Test runs: 4295 runs (four 100s, 33 50s)

Test batting average: 36.09

World Cup fixtures

The excellent Stephen Fleming is moulding an impressive unit who could cause a few surprises come February.

A demoralised England will have to pick themselves up for their key games against India and Pakistan.

Both are inconsistent, and if England meet them on a bad day, Nasser Hussain's men could make second in their group behind the Australians.

Keep Hussain in charge
What of the beleagured England captain, currently enduring a hellish mauling at the hands of the Australians?

England's summer outlook

Test series v Zim
Eng 2-0 Zim

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Test series v SA
Eng 2-2 SA

Well, despite the problems Down Under, Hussain is still the best man for the job.

If England can compete with South Africa in next summer's Tests, then what starts off as a dismal new year could end up better than most would dare predict.

No rest for the wicket
Cricket fans ought to get used to hearing the words "burn out" - a phrase certain to sum up their sport in 2003.

It will be another extremely busy year for all international cricketers and do not be surprised if a few of them suffer from exhaustion.

Australia are hot favourites to retain the World Cup

Cricket is now a year-round profession for the very best, and with few signs of the volume of matches decreasing, expect a few of the elite to fall by the wayside.

England's cricketers, for example, leave Australia and head straight for South Africa and the World Cup.

They then return for the English summer, play until September, then get ready for tours to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Undoubtedly, it is a great life. But surely there must be some sort of limit?

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POTENTIAL SHOCK

England selectors see the light
With South Africa due to visit this summer, England will be desperate for a morale-boosting series win over quality opponents.

England beat the Proteas on their last visit, but whether that can be repeated will depend on the courage of the England selectors.

The game's top brass are famously resistant to change, but this rotten winter could prompt some radical rethinking come next summer.

The young stars must be given their chance eventually, and maybe the selectors could decide it is time to turn over a new leaf.