Lancashire

Once again Lancashire have failed, once again to make a serious bid for a trophy. Mid table finishes in all three formats of the game betray a side which has a worrying tendency to simply drift through a summer. At Old Trafford victory in the Twenty20 finals day mascot race will have to suffice in terms of silverware. Perhaps 'Lanky' the giraffe ought to be drafted into the first XI.

Failure to push on is, perhaps due to a static side. Lancashire have the services of some good cricketers to call upon. But perhaps 'good' is all many in the side are. Bar the perpetually absent James Anderson Lancashire have no players really pushing for international honours. Rumours have often surrounded Sajid Mahmood, but in all fairness there are probably a number of other talented bowlers higher in the pecking order likely to keep the quick in Manchester. The mainstays of the side; Chapple (36), Chilton (33), Horton (27) and Keedy (35) are all more than capable, but (with the possible exception of the captain) aren't really exciting cricketers. Similarly they are not pushing Geoff Miller for a 'phone call. With strong league cricket in the county, which has a large catchment area the club could be doing far more to promote and seek young talent capable of giving Lancashire the cutting edge they need to really be in contention.

The red rose county is more than capable for performance beyond the present mediocrity. With the dependable Luke Sutton (33) released to give the young wicketkeeper Gareth Cross an extended first team run, perhaps former England boss Peter Moores is beginning this transition.

Top of the Order - Steven Cross

The batting at Old Trafford has probably been over reliant on the overseas aid, particularly received from Ashwll Prince and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Nevertheless Cross has grasped the full season he has been given to make 883 valuable runs at 38.39. Unfortunately he did not not add to his solitary first class hundred but he has nevertheless been a dependable presence in the order.

Best Bowling - Glen Chapple

The captain has certainly led from the front this season, despite being forced to sit out a number of games because of injury. His 14 championship outings have generated 52 wickets at a cheap 19.75. Bowling with real aggression, particularly against the old foe Yorkshire, Chapple has shown that he is always willing to fight for the side he has represented since his 1992 debut.

A Year to Forget - Stephen Moore

A move from Worcestershire last season looked a positive one for the England Lions opener looking to advance his game and push for greater international honours. However that progress has stalled this season. With the 426 season runs at average of only 25.18 Moore will look to improve on the stats from the nine championship fixtures he appeared in. Two limited overs hundreds and an average in the 50s do, however highlight his talent and will give Moore something to build on for next season.

Star Man - Glen Chapple

The captain led the side from the front with the ball as well as contributing some useful lower order runs. Chapple was unlucky in his day not to receive England appearances beyond a sole one day international against Ireland but he has continued to show his pedigree for his county.