Northamptonshire enjoyed an excellent season last year, winning Division Two of the County Championship to gain promotion, and finishing third in Division One of the National League.

But the county staff are not getting carried away by their success. Chief executive Stephen Coverdale said: "This season is going to be a challenge. Initially the target will be to consolidate in Division One and progress from there."

And he is realistic enough to know that the absence of David Sales, who injured himself on England A's tour of the West Indies, and last season's skipper Matthew Hayden, who will be touring with Australia, is going to hit the team hard.

"Obviously we are going to miss David Sales. With Hayden on duty with Australia, two of our leading run scorers will be missing, but it gives others the opportunity to push their name into the frame."

Replacing Hayden will be compatriot Michael Hussey while David Ripley takes over as skipper. Hussey is Western Australia's regular opening batsman in four-day cricket and has been a consistent run-scorer since making his state debut six years ago. He often bats down the order in limited-overs games.

Hussey is already certain of his objectives in England. "First of all we'll be aiming to keep the club in the top division, and ultimately trying to make Northamptonshire the best county in England," he said.

"I was keen to play for a team in the first division of the Championship, because obviously you want to test yourself in the best standard of cricket you possibly can.

"I don't have any past contacts with the club, I don't know too many of the people there yet, so I'll be coming to it good and fresh. I'm really looking forward now to giving it a crack.

"To be able to play cricket right through the year is a tremendous opportunity. It gives me the chance to improve my game on different pitches, in different conditions and against different opponents."

Northants have also signed Matthew Cassar from Derbyshire, although Devon Malcolm has left for Leicestershire.

Squad: T Bailey, J Blain, J Brown, J Cook, M Cassar, D Cousins, M Dobson, M Hussey, K Innes, M Loye, M Panesar, A Penberthy, M Powell, D Paynter, D Ripley (captain), A Rollins, D Sales, M Strong, A Swann, G Swann, J Taylor, R Warren, L Weekes, R White.

Overseas: Michael Hussey (Australia).

In: Hussey, M Cassar (Derby), D Paynter, L Weekes (Yorkshire).

Out: M Davies, M Hayden, R Logan (Nottinghamshire), D Malcolm (Leicestershire), D Roberts, R Sutcliffe.

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