Clinching promotion in the final game of the season made for a triumphant end to Nottinghamshire’s 2007 season, with skipper-to-be Chris Read stating that the side had the talent to repeat their 2005 success at the top of the County Championship.

At the time many were in agreement with Read's assessment, but six months on it’s a far less familiar squad that the new captain will be leading.

The impact of the loss of Jason Gallian to Essex is as yet unknown but Notts have since secured Matthew Wood from Somerset as a replacement, a change that could well strengthen the team in batting and slip fielding. The absence of Stephen Fleming will undoubtedly be felt but with three returning batsmen - Mark Wagh, David Hussey and Read - having finished 2007 with over 1,000 runs it is unlikely the side will lack firepower in the top six.

'Perhaps Notts’ success hinges on whom the ECB choose to call up, and when'


The international call-ups will doubtless be the biggest concern for the county. Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann and Chris Broad are regulars for the senior England side,  Hussey has recently earned an Aussie call-up and Charlie Shreck and Bilal Shafayat are on official tours so Notts could have a problem during the county season.

Add to this the unfortunate injury to bowler Mark Footit and bowling out sides twice could prove to be a challenge.

With a full squad available, Notts would surely be strong contenders for every prize in domestic cricket. The 2006 Twenty20 runners-up had their run brought to an end in 2007 by a combination of rivals Kent and the rain that blighted the season. But Notts will be much fancied for the 2008 title.

In the Pro40 and Friends’ Provident trophies, the weather should intervene less but without Swann and Sidebottom the team will need to adapt.

Perhaps Notts’ success hinges on whom the ECB choose to call up, and when. The team's fortunes could swing dramatically between England fixtures over the summer.

Read holds the tag of best glovesman in England and scored over 1,000 first-class runs last season, so it is not quite correct to say the ECB are snapping up all the county’s talent.

Notts proved in the 2007 season that they have many more talented players than just those recognised by the ECB, so the team could mount a serious challenge on the four domestic trophies.