The County Championship season gets underway on Friday. The first matches of the season for 12 of the 18 counties take place on what is set to be a good weekend for cricket weather wise. That means each of the six sides in each division in action have the chance to send an early marker down for the season.
Division One
The two favourites for relegation meet at Chelmsford. Newly promoted Essex begin life in Division One by hosting Lancashire. Title dark horses Surrey host Warwickshire in a match packed with international quality. Yorkshire begin their quest to regain their title when they host a rejuvenated Hampshire side at Headingley.
Division Two
Nottinghamshire start life in the second division with a local derby away to Leicestershire in what is probably the pick of the three matches in this division. Two good young sides meet at Canterbury as Kent host Gloucestershire. Northamptonshire are the first opposition for injury ravaged Glamorgan when the two meet at Wantage Road.
Betting
I’m going with two bets in the opening week of the campaign. They both come in Division One. I was tempted by Northants in Division Two. The majority of Glamorgan’s first choice bowling attack out injured but they are a little short for my liking so I’ll leave them be.
In the first division I can’t get away from Lancashire in their match with Essex. I fancy Essex to find the going a little tough this season and especially here now that they are going to be without Alastair Cook. Lancashire have Jimmy Anderson in their attack and he, along with Ryan McLaren and Kyle Jarvis form a strong seam attack. Haseeb Hameed has been passed fit, Shivnerine Chanderpaul and Dane Vilas are in situ so Lancashire are at full strength. They should have more than enough for Essex.
I’ve backed Surrey to win the title this season. So it makes perfect sense for me to take them to win their opening match too. Warwickshire’s batting looks too flimsy for comfort for me. A mighty Surrey bowling attack where an international or two are going to be left out means the Bears’ batting is going to get exposed. Surrey’s batting will be tested but in Mark Stoneman, Rory Burns, Kumar Sangakkara and Scott Borthwick they have the men to pass that test and guide Surrey to an opening week win.
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County Championship – Tips
PUSH – Back Lancashire to beat Essex for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
WON – Back Surrey to beat Warwickshire for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetBright
Back them here:
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