Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have had what can only in all fairness be described as a highly unremarkable season. A mid-table finish in the championship was accompanied by unsatisfactory limited over performances. A well earned third place in the group stages of the Pro40 but with the bottom spot in the Twenty20 the side has lost the hard earned reputation once boasted in the shorter formats.

However that is not to say that the members at Bristol have been treated to a summer devoid of excitement. Wickets have been readily available at the County Ground, the capitulation of Derbyshire for a meager 44 in 16 overs and a ball cannot solely be attributed to sloppy batting.

Gloucestershire were 'champion county' last in 1877, and have not one the modern form of the competition, as it stands the club is in no position to change this. In all fairness the side is also some distance away from the heights it received at the turn of the century with limited over trophies galore. The club is, perhaps over reliant on aging overseas pros and there remains little to really excite any ECB talent scouts. The county are unfortunate in that a limited catchment area probably limited yuth talent however a worrying trend is emerging. The whole hearted seamer Steve Kirkby has abandoned his second county and crossed the boarder to Somerset in a bid to achieve greater recognition from the national side. Certainly a commendable move for any ambitious cricketer, but something of a concern for Gloucestershire.

Top of the Order - Hamish Marshall

The former New Zealand batsman has batted well over the course of the season on a bowler friendly home wicket. A good top order haul of 884 runs at a slightly disappointing 35.36 did not include one of the three first class centuries scored by Gloucestershire batsmen (Porterfield, 2 and Franklin, 3). Such figures certainly suggest an over dependence on overseas aid.

Best Bowling - Gemaal Hussain

The 26 year old London born seamer has excelled in his first full season of first class cricket. The highest second division total of 67 wickets at 22.34 apiece has done the county no harm. When one adds former skipper Jon Lewis (54) and Kiwi James Franklin (46) into the mix, the seam department looks more than healthy.

Star Player - James Franklin

The New Zealand all rounder has once again excelled as Gloucestershire's overseas signing. A good return with both bat (862 at 33.15) and ball (46 at 23.54) will mean that Franklin returns to his native New Zealand a more than happy man. Indeed such a fine performance has clearly been noted at home with a call up to lead the New Zealand 'A' tour to Zimbabwe next month. If he were to be unavailable next season owing to international commitments that will certainly be a cause for sorrow at Bristol.