Leicestershire

Issues off the field, which culminated with head coach Tim Boon leaving the county, have largely overshadowed what good work has gone on at Grace Road this season. New captain Matthew Hoggard has steered Leicestershire, who finished rock bottom of the County Championship last season to a position where, going into the final game, they had a (mathematical) chance of promotion. Limited over success did allude the side, but real progress has been made and the future looks hopeful.

Much of this optimism can be attributed the strategy Leicestershire have embarked upon. The side once criticised for on over reliance on 'kolpak' players to swell the ranks has begun a transition to home grown talent. Ackerman and Dippenaar left at the end of last season. It is certainly a decision which has been good for the game and a brave move when the poaching of talented products of the youth system (notably Stuart Broad) by bigger clubs is considered.

The side is young, with many key players in their twenties. Certainly they have a great deal to learn about their own game and professional cricket as a whole, however if nurtured well the side has every chance to blossom.

Top of the Order - James Taylor

Making one thousand runs for the second successive season the young Taylor continues to advance. A further double century helped add 1,027 runs at almost 45 to an already impressive CV. Taylor is developing into a very special cricketer.

Best Bowling - Claude Henderson

One of the few remaining South African imports in the Grace Road dressing room, Henderson has highlighted the value of a seasoned spinner in a line up where much of the youth bowling talent is of the seam variety. His 56 wickets at 21.05 have really kept his side in contention.

Rising Star - James Taylor

A vast volume of runs which have often been scored as others collapsed around him, Taylor has shown both ability and growing maturity this summer. An England Lions call up is surely only the beginning here.

Star Man - Matthew Hoggard

After leaving his home county in less than happy circumstances Hoggard has excelled with the ball, showing to all that he is by no means a spent force. The swing bowler took a further 50 first class wickets, taking his career total to over 700. Questions about is suitability as a captain may have also been raised but, with his own blend of character and determination Hoggard has led from the front.