Kent

The gulf between the first and second divisions of the County Championship is perhaps best illustrated by the fortunes of Kent this season. Champions of the second division last summer, the Canterbury based club recorded eight victories and were the only second tier side to exceed the 200 point barrier. This season they have probably been at best weak. Three victories was not enough to spare the side the drop. This is mirrored in a poor Twenty20 position, with only a third place in the group stages of the Pro40 being cause for (slight) contentment.

Although the claims have been strongly denied there are also rumours of financial troubles at the club. The likely need for cut backs may well harm the club as savings are sought. Second division cricket may, however be a little more forgiving. There is some excellent talent at Kent, particularly with the bat. Joe Denly and Sam Northeast who have shared an opening partnership this season are both exciting cricketers with excellent technique. Northeast particularly has excellent judgement and a good understanding of placement over power.

Perhaps relegation and a tightening of the purse strings will be a blessing in disguise for Kent and allow the side to take a long look at where they are, where they want to be and how to maximise the available talent. A recent quote by captain Rob Key is something which must be drawn upon over the winter - "I don't think it's a case where people are looking to jump ship - they just want to know where the club's going".

Top of the Order - Martin van Jaarsveld

The former South African test batsman has continued the habit of scoring big runs this season, in spite of a number of collapses around him. His total of 1,082 at 41.61 is slightly down on the total of last summer which included an impressive seven centuries. Perhaps like his side van Jaarseveld has found the upper tier a little harder going. His contribution has, nevertheless been invaluable.

Best Bowling - Amjad Khan

That the man to take the most wickets (38) for the south coast side did not have a huge haul reflects the greatest problem for Kent this season, the attack was not really led. Perhaps that is a little unfair, asall of the seamers chipped in but the fact that in the final championship fixture Darren Stevens opened the bowling says a lot. Amjad, who can boast a test cap against the West Indies is certainly a talent, something Sussex have noted as they snapped him up. The move down the coast will hopefully be fruitful for him and it is to be hoped that Kent do a better job in finding a veyable replacement for him than South African Ryan McClaren who they lost at the end of 2009.

A Year to Forget - Robert Key

The Kent skipper has certainly had a poor season. Perhaps the realisation that his international career was, realistically over has weighed heavy on his shoulders. Perhaps a decision similar to that of Vikram Solanki to resign the captaincy after a long spell and concentrate on his work with the bat would be a good move for Key in favour of the sort of young forward looking captain that is coming into vogue in the counties. Either way despite a top score of 261 Key will look to build on the 674 runs he scored this season and come out fighting.

Star Player - Martin van Jaarsveld

Another season, another good year with the bat. van Jaarsveld undoubtedly fits into the dependable Southern African presence with the bat a number of other sides have recruited. If money worries mean the player who's pay packet has warranted some raised eyebrows has to leave the St. Lawrence Ground he will have little difficulty in finding a new suitor. Kent would miss him and look to hold on, however with some quality, English old pros such as Key, Jones and Stevens as well as the youngsters, perhaps it could be the sharp shock these players need to advance and take responsibility for their place in the team.