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This each-way pick for me was a toss-up between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, who are both 16/1 for the title. With Jonny Bairstow given the skippering duties at Yorkshire, there looks to be a lot of promise in the side, but I still think their bowling department looks a little weak. With this in mind, I have decided to go with Nottinghamshire. They barely survived relegation last season, but with Olly Stone and Josh Tongue now back and fit, they should be ripping through a lot more teams. They have also brought in Pakistan's Mohammed Abbas, who has been one of the standout bowlers in county cricket over the last few years. Speaking of standout overseas players, Nottinghamshire have also signed Kyle Verreynne, who probably has the best batting statistics across formats for an international keeper over the last twelve months. I could go on about the young guns Farhan Ahmed and Freddie McCann or Surrey signing Conor McKerr, but I am limited to 200 words.

It could be a fool's game not backing Surrey, but I genuinely think this is the season that Somerset finally get it done. This prediction does come with a slight caveat in that I think they will win the division, but only if Matt Henry is able to stay injury-free. In English conditions, the Kiwi is absolutely lethal, and where Somerset have struggled in the past is taking early season wickets where seam is most prized. Tom Banton gave this side a vigour as well last campaign, providing quick runs in the middle order to try to push games along. If they can get the same out of Will Smeed, who has recently signed a red ball contract, that will only further this case. The Rew brothers will provide stability in the middle order along with Tom Abell. Spin speaks for itself at Taunton, and so I really only see injuries as the thing that can hinder the West Country side this season.

At first glance, backing a side that finished bottom of Division 2 last year may seem foolish, but I can see the Midlands side doing big things this season. Vastly experienced Wayne Madsen is back at the helm, with David Lloyd stepping down from the captaincy after the aforementioned poor season. Madsen captained the side to promotion in 2012, and allowing Lloyd to focus on just his batting is what this side needs. A lot of Division 2 sides this season have solid-looking batting lineups, but it is bowling units that win leagues, and the strikeforce of Chappell, Brown, overseas signing Tickner, and newcomer Harry Moore looks dangerous. The other signing Aussie Caleb Jewell scores his runs quickly and having two overseas pros for the entire season will be pivotal.

Lancashire are going to be obvious favourites for this Division 2 title. With Jimmy Anderson available for the whole campaign (injury permitting), you have to feel as though England's greatest ever bowler is going to take a mountain of Division 2 scalps. The skipper Keaton Jennings was the one bright spark for his side last season in what was a torrid campaign. He averaged 45 at the top of the innings and will be accompanied by overseas signing Marcus Harris who has always got runs for whatever English side he has played for. Not great odds on a season long bet but for the obvious reason that they will most likely win.