Crawley holds the key

John Crawley has found a new home at the Rose Bowl

Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann assesses Hampshire's prospects for the 2002 county season.

The signing of John Crawley is a coup and he will strengthen a fragile batting line-up, but it is no guarantee that Hampshire's return to the First Division will not be followed by an immediate return to the Second.

Bear in mind that Shane Warne's 70 wickets could not keep them up in 2000 and the squad has not changed significantly since then.

Three-up, three-down makes the First Division an unforgiving place.

  Mann's prediction

Relegation likely

Robin Smith leads the side for a fifth successive season, despite having second thoughts about the job a year ago. He is 38 and his batting powers appear to be diminishing.

He averaged 19.59 in 2000 and 21.59 in 2001. It promises to be a tough season for him.

Continuity is the main feature of the side. The captain, the coach and the overseas player are the same as last season.

Neil Johnson is not the biggest name in world cricket but he has two attributes, which make him an ideal overseas player.

He is no longer part of the relentless international circuit, having retired from Test cricket, and he is an all-rounder. He played several important innings last season, although his return with the ball, 21 wickets at 39.80, was disappointing.

One of Hampshire's strengths is that they have several players who can make an all-round contribution.

Chris Tremlett is a bright prospect

Alex Morris, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Shaun Udal were regular wicket-takers last season, sharing 137 between them, while they all averaged in the mid-twenties with the bat.

Morris' career was rejuvenated after two years undermined by injury and his progress is worth monitoring.

Mascarenhas, who underwent ankle surgery during the winter, has signed a new, two-year contract.

Alan Mullally and the promising Chris Tremlett complete a useful pace attack. Tremlett is a bowler to watch out for - at 6ft 7ins he is hard to miss.

He spent the winter at England's academy in Australia and has genuine potential.

Pursuing the policy adopted by many other counties, Hampshire have strengthened their squad by signing a South African who is not classed as an overseas player.

  Hampshire 2002

Captain: Robin Smith

Coach: Jimmy Cook

Overseas player: Neil Johnson

Main signing: Nic Pothas, John Crawley (Lancashire)

Main departures: John Stephenson (Essex), Simon Francis (Somerset), Zac Morris

Wicket-keeper/batsmen Nic Pothas played in South Africa's one-day team two years ago but is eligible because he holds a Greek passport.

In Adrian Aymes, Hampshire already have one of the best wicket-keeper/batsmen in county cricket (1,029 runs and 45 dismissals in 2001) so Pothas will play as a batsman only.

If Hampshire do struggle this season, it is likely to be the batting that lets them down.

Will Kendall, Giles White, Derek Kenway and Jason Laney are unlikely to dominate First Division attacks, they found it hard enough in Division Two.

Smith no longer appears to be a major force, and Pothas will take time to adjust.

Crawley's presence should inspire confidence but finishing sixth or higher will be an achievement.