There were many bright moments in the 2001 season despite some disappointing outcomes. This week I am going to choose four players that made significant progress. My definition of progress is not based purely on statistics but, just as importantly, the contribution to the team ethic.

Chris Taylor is the youngest of the four and started the season with a lot expected of him. After a slow start, Chris had a chance created by the absence of Ian Harvey on international duty and he grabbed it with both hands. John Bracewell and I were very worried about Chris and had decided to give him an extended run at number four with no one-day responsibilities.

We were so elated with Chris's response that it was impossible to leave him out of the one-day side but this did not affect him as he plundered a couple of big hundreds and entertained with some real sparkling performances. The key for 2002 is to keep challenging Chris as there is immense talent in there and we intend to get full value.

James Averis's opportunities came in abundance in 2001 but so did his workload. The much publicised absence of Mike Smith and Jon Lewis propelled James to our first choice new ball bowler. James was a regular in the successful one-day unit but was keen to have a more rounded game, performing consistently in both forms of cricket.

James managed to retain some of the excellent form in the one-day game while he developed as a first-class bowler. These efforts made him the choice as player of the year and with quality support in 2002, I expect James to make even bigger strides.

The next two players, unlike Chris and James who were both capped in 2001, have rather more experience but are still hell-bent on improving and taking their games forward. Both did so with such effect that I was not the only one impressed. Jeremy Snape and Martyn Ball both received England call ups and as I write they both have made impressive starts with Jeremy getting man of the match on debut. Martyn has been limited to one first-class game in India but came out of it with a lot of kudos.

For us, Jeremy's bowling was limited but his batting was destructive. Jeremy became one of the main reasons we were in the top three sides in the country for batting bonus points. Achieving his maiden hundred at Derby, he went from strength to strength and added a couple more. Doing all this at number six had a numbing effect on the opposition and very often we could take advantage of a demoralised outfit.

Although Martyn's contribution with the bat was up there with his best, I thought his bowling had the consistency of a quality performer. History suggests spin has not been our most potent force but Martyn emerged as one of the best performing spinners in the country. His allround efforts are magnificent and we expect the international experience has further enhanced his game which would leave him with a major role in 2002.

Once again, there are reasons to look forward optimistically to next season.

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