Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire have had an excellent season. Building on the runners up spot in the last summer the Championship title was secured by the Trent Bridge side in a nail biting rain affected encounter at Old Trafford on the final day of the season. Excellent limited overs performances also followed, with a semi final appearance in the Twenty20 cup and a second place in the group stages of the Pro40. Chris Read and his men, who based their successes simply on the ability to take wickets and dismiss a side, can look back on a year to be proud of.

The fact that England players Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom were largely unavailable only serves to highlight the strength, and depth, the Nottingham bowling attack represents. The batting has some way to go to equal this, however as long as wickets continue to fall the likelihood is games will be won.

The side is, however an interesting one and 2010 is unlikely to mark the beginning of a golden era for Nottinghamshire. The average age of the players in the final championship outing was over 30 and the men key in the push to the top comfortably fit into that category. Nevertheless the current first XI is more than capable and shows excellent balance.

Top of the Order - Chris Read

Jettisoned by England Read, like Essex skipper James Foster, has shown that he has considerable ability with the bat. A useful 916 runs at 45.8 have enabled the Devon born wicketkeeper to act as an anchor and show some real spirit, frequently rescuing his side when troubles loomed large. The fact that these runs came from down at number seven and that no batsmen made the thousand run landmark betray a side where the batting needs attention. A succession of overseas batsmen: Hashim Amla (Averaging 75.4), David Hussey (66.5) and Adam Voges (50.8) all plugged the gap, but no lasting solution was really found. The haste with which Voges was called after the departure of Hussey shows that Notts are more than aware of this deficiency.

Best Bowling - Andre Adams

If the Nottinghamshire batting was lukewarm the bowling attack proved too hot to handle. First amongst the proponents here was Andre Adams. The former New Zealand seamer took a hugely impressive 68 wickets at only 22.17 and was undoubtedly the extra factor which gave the Kiwi's side the edge over competitors. Ably supported by vice-captain Paul Franks (41 wickets) and one test wonder Darren Pattinson (31) the Adams led attack was superb throughout.

Rising Star - Alex Hales

Although not an opening batsman by trade Hales has performed well at the top of the order. His punchy style has set down good foundations, although a solitary century in his 677 season runs hint at a lack of continued substance. However Hales has made a promising start to his professional career and at only 21 has both a lot to learn and to offer.

A Year to Forget - Charlie Shreck

The quick has found it hard to secure a place in the first team this season. His five first class games generated only 18 wickets. The departure of Ryan Sidebottom and continued absence of Stuart Broad may lead to further opportunities, although an approach from Somerset could see the Cornishman best serving his interests by moving to south.

Star Player - Andre Adams

Top wicket taker in the first division of the County Championship Adams has been at the top of his game this season, although at 35 the strains of age may mean that he will struggle to maintain this fantastic summer. Adams has not only served to effectively bowl his side to the title, but in restricting opponents has also made up for the problems with the batting line up.