Bears revamp pace attack

Melvyn Betts: Part of a new-look seam bowling attack

The return of Bob Woolmer did not have the expected impact last season, but it could be different this time round.

Warwickshire have lost Allan Donald and Ed Giddins but other changes should make up for it.

After the club's failure to reach the first division of the County Championship for the second year in a row, Michael Powell replaces Neil Smith as captain.

Smith, the son of the club's chairman, MJK Smith, steps down after two seasons in charge. Powell is believed to have been Woolmer's preferred option for some time.

A change of captain has been followed by a change of approach on the overseas front.

After several eye-catching signings in recent seasons, West Indian Vasbert Drakes was a surprise choice to replace Allan Donald but he might turn out to be a shrewd signing.

  Warwickshire 2001

Captain: Michael Powell

Overseas player: Vasbert Drakes (West Indies)

Coach: Bob Woolmer

Main signings: Melvyn Betts (Durham), Neil Carter

Main departures: Anurag Singh (Worcestershire), Ed Giddens (Surrey), Allan Donald, Graeme Welch (Derbyshire)

He is experienced in English conditions, having played county cricket with Sussex (1996-97) and Nottinghamshire (1999), and can contribute lower order runs as well as take wickets.

At a time when counties are finding it harder to sign the stars of world cricket, they have contracted a player who should supplement rather than overshadow the team.

His rate of return is almost certain to be greater than that of Donald's. The South African fast bowler only played in seven championship matches and seven National League games last season, taking 18 and 11 wickets respectively.

Ed Giddins' exit is no bad thing either - he played in only eight championship games, taking a meagre total of 20 wickets - and Graeme Welch has also been allowed to leave.

The departures have allowed Warwickshire to reshape their pace attack. As well as Drakes, they have signed Melvyn Betts from Durham on a three-year contract and Neil Carter.

Drakes' fitness record impressed Warwickshire

Betts' arrival is something of a coup. He made a promising start to his career but was troubled by a shin injury last season.

He still managed 44 wickets at 18.90 and if he stays fit, he should prove to be a valuable acquisition

Carter is a left-arm fast medium bowler who has been playing for South African provincial side Boland. He has British citizenship and was recommended to Warwickshire by Woolmer.

He could prove to be a dud but Woolmer is a sufficiently experienced judge to have got it right.

While the pace attack should be more consistent, the slow bowling department could suffer from the regular absence of Ashley Giles, now seen as England's premier spinner.

Giles will miss the first month of the season after being advised to rest his Achilles tendon injury.

His selection for this summer's seven Test matches will depend on the type of pitches produced for the series against Pakistan and Australia but his county performances could still be restricted under the terms of his England contract.

Ian Bell: The selectors will be keeping an eye on him

He is almost certain to be selected for the triangular one-day series in June.

The player to watch this season will be Ian Bell. Still only 19, he is viewed as a future Test match player and was a member of the England A team that took part in the Busta Cup earlier this year, although he has yet to establish himself in the Warwickshire side.

Nick Knight, David Hemp, Mark Wagh, Dominic Ostler, Trevor Penney and the captain Powell are the regulars in a powerful-looking batting line-up.

Smith, Alan Richardson and Dougie Brown provide the other bowling options and Warwickshire look better equipped to finish in the top three this time round.

Championship prediction - promotion at last