Sussex

Relegated last season Sussex have shown their pedigree by comfortably attaining promotion at the first time of asking. The excellent limited overs performances of 2009 which brought two titles were not quite matched but the side remained highly competitive. This is certainly a laudable achievement when the absence of key players Mike Yardy, Matthew Prior and Luke Wright for sizable parts of the season is considered.

That such senior players could be absent and the Hove side were still able to generate such a commanding lead in division two does suggest the real difference between a good first division side and their counterparts in the lower tier.

As England continue to eye Sussex players (Monty Panesar has been added to the Ashes squad); the retirement of stalwarts Robin Martin-Jenkins and James Kirtley and the decision by West Indian pace man Corey Collymore to leave for Middlesex the South coast side have some gaps to fill. With a young squad and a promising academy the chance for growth is, however promising and next season could prove a pivotal year in the developing of a side for the future.

Top of the Order - Murray Goodwin

The Zimbabwean took on the role of captain in Yardy's absence and led his adopted county from the front. Amassing 1,201 runs at 52.21 the former international put second division attacks to the sword all summer. His continuing good form has been invaluable and Sussex will hope that he can continue in the same vein next season as the club return to the sterner examinations which promotion will bring.

Best Bowling - Corey Collymore

It is easy to see why Middlesex were eager to snap up the former international who will still be classed as a 'kolpak' player in 2011. His 57 wickets at under 20 a piece will be sorely missed by Sussex and realistically a replacement to lead the seam attack in terms of experience and volume of wickets will need to be found.

A Year to Forget - Joe Gatting

With a famous name perhaps a little too much is expected of any young player, something Ian Botham's son, Liam, found out the hard way. However Joe Gatting has exhibited glimmers of the talent which saw his uncle, Mike, rise to become an all time great with England and Middlesex. It would be unfair at such a young age to suggest he would reach those heights, however seven appearances and an average in the low teens is below par for the 22 year. Next season he will look to develop as a player. It can only be hoped that the onus of such a distinguished surname will not impede progress.

Star Man - Robin Martin-Jenkins

Although not playing a full season due to retirement the son of the current MCC president undoubtedly made his mark at Hove in 2010. His decision to retire, talking up a teaching post came from the realisation that he would not represent his country and felt that by leaving, younger players would get the opportunity to move down this path. This is undoubtedly a praise worthy move (and one which some older cricketers may do well to take note of) if the goal of domestic cricket is to create players of international calibre. Martin-Jenkins ensured that he went out on a high. Top of the Sussex batting averages at the end of the season with 629 runs at 62.9 he signed off with a 78 against Gloucestershire. With the ball too he put in some great performances, being almost unplayable for spells early on, 30 wickets at 19.76 are a testament to that. Martin-Jenkins was not there at the end of a summer to see his only county home, however he undoubtedly laid the foundations of a chart topping summer. He leaves Hove a poorer place, yet one with more youth opportunities.