Notts need consistency

Klusener should provide some early season fireworks

Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann assesses Nottinghamshire's prospects for the 2002 County Championship.

Nottinghamshire have plenty of talented players but, as a team, they specialise in under-achieving.

And they start the season with an injured player - key middle-order batsman Paul Johnson broke a finger on the pre-season tour of South Africa.

They have the ability to win promotion and a one-day competition, but it will be no surprise if they flop again.

At least they should be enjoyable to watch, especially in the B&H Cup, as Lance Klusener, Kevin Pietersen and Usman Afzaal make up an entertaining middle-order trio.

  Championship prediction

Entertaining under-achievers again

A partnership between Pietersen and Klusener could be the highlight of the English county season. But enjoy it while it lasts as Klusener is only filling in as overseas player until his fellow-South African Nicky Boje arrives in May.

Afzaal endured a frustrating winter of practising in the nets and carrying drinks in India and New Zealand. His challenge is not to be disheartened by his lack of opportunity with England.

He is a gifted, unorthodox player, whose only option is to score heavily in Second Division cricket if he wants the selectors to give him more chances.

If anything, South African-born Pietersen has more international potential. If he was eligible, there is every chance he would already be in England's one-day squad.

He scored 1,275 championship runs at 57.95 in his first season in county cricket. They came at the spectacular rate of 82 runs per hundred balls.

Notts hope Kevin Pietersen will contribute more with the ball

Expect the selectors to show an immediate interest when he qualifies for England in three year's time.

The loss of Chris Cairns as overseas player seems like a major setback but the wisdom of signing him in the first place was questionable.

The demands of a packed international schedule sap the enthusiasm and energy of the top players and it is likely he would have struggled to cope with a relentless county season.

Nottinghamshire still hope he will join them next summer. Do not be surprised if it does not happen.

Boje may prove a shrewd replacement. Like Cairns, he thrives in one-day cricket and his left-arm spin will be useful in the championship, where Nottinghamshire have lacked a consistent, quality slow-bowler.

Injuries have been a constant theme at Trent Bridge and captain Jason Gallian and all-rounder Paul Franks missed most of last season.

It is essential that both remain fit this time. Gallian is needed at the top of the order where Nottinghamshire struggled last season.

  Nottinghamshire 2002

Captain: Jason Gallian

Coach: Clive Rice

Overseas players: Nicky Boje, Lance Klusener

Main signings: None

Main departures: Greg Blewett, Richard Stemp, Chris Hewison, John Morris

Guy Welton had a wretched time and was eventually dropped, while Darren Bicknell's record over two seasons has been no more than solid.

The development of Bilal Shafayat is worth looking out for. The 17 year-old batsman made a half century on his championship debut and is seen as an outstanding prospect.

Much will depend on Nottinghamshire's selection policy, although John Morris' departure will free up a batting place.

Like Franks and Shafayat, wicket-keeper Chris Read has signed a new, three-year contract.

He has spoken of his determination to win back his England place. To do so, weight of runs is essential. His return of 666 at 30.27 last season was no more than adequate for a player of his ability.