County players must adjust to another format next week as the NatWest Pro40 season kicks off. It is strange that 40 over cricket continues to be played when we are constantly told that first class, 50 over and Twenty20 cricket are struggling to co-exist.

Scheduling issues are not the only criticism aimed at Pro40, as it has long been said that 40 over domestic cricket does not replicate the format played at international level. That discrepancy is especially resonant now that Twenty20 is on the scene.

Pro40 therefore suffers from a lack of recognition, but punters should still be ready as and when the markets appear on Betfair.

It is hard to keep track of who is where in the various county divisions, which goes some way in explaining why it is hard to name the best overall counties. Sussex, dominant in the championship in recent seasons, were abject in this year’s Twenty20 cup and Friends Provident trophy. For the record, the Sharks are in Pro40 division one.

Worcestershire (relegated from the championship top flight) romped to the title in 2008, winning six of their eight matches, with one defeat and one wash-out. Their limited overs form of 2009 – third out of six in the Friends Provident south west division and fifth in the midlands/west/Wales in the Twenty20 cup – does not suggest a title defence is on the cards.

However, it is hard to know what proportion of skills this intermediate format will take from 50 and 20 over cricket. Are players, used to Twenty20, more inclined to throw the bat, or will the steady accumulation in the middle of 50 over matches be condensed into the midst of Pro40 clashes?

Strategy might therefore be a key to success, which is why I tip Middlesex, Durham and Nottinghamshire to do well in division one. They have been well-drilled outfits in limited overs cricket so far this term and should be able to transfer those processes to Pro40.

The Crusaders, under the joint captaincy of Eds Smith and Joyce have been particularly impressive, admitting to extensive statistical research ahead of their successful Twenty20 campaign. Promoted via the play-offs last season, they should provide value as the market develops.

Division two, featuring five Twenty20 cup quarter finalists, looks just as strong on paper as the top flight. Kent and Essex will also contest the Friends Provident final and they stand out as prime candidates for promotion.

The Spitfires and Eagles are familiar opponents and it must surely be apparent that the southern teams are penalised by the regional group system, especially if Kent join Middlesex and Essex in the Twenty20 cup semi finals.

Essex were 40 over division one champions in 2005 and 2006, so their relegation last year is a mystery, but with big hitters Graham Napier and Ryan ten Doeschate in top form, I expect them to bounce straight back as second tier winners.

Leicestershire and Surrey had dismal Twenty20 cup campaigns but still look to have the right sort of personnel, but I back one of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, who dominated the midlands/west/Wales Twenty20 group, to secure third spot.

Like all county competitions the Pro40 looks to be wide open, with the likes of Somerset, Lancashire, Sussex, Gloucestershire and Hampshire all fearing the drop as much as they harbour hopes of winning the title.



Written by Philip Oliver, a professional sports writer who blogs about cricket betting at the online sports betting blog from Betfair.