Who is the captain?

Dimitri Mascarenhas, with Jimmy Adams deputising during his IPL commitments, which amount to him missing two weeks of the season

Who is the overseas player?

Shane Bond has been cleared by the ECB despite having played in the ICL. Shane Watson will rejoin the club for the start of the Twenty20 matches

Who has arrived?

Benny Howell, a right-handed batsman, who was at Oratory School

Who has left?

Michael Stokes (released) and James Bruce, who prematurely opted for a career in the City. Shaun Udal, who would not have retired and then joined Middlesex had he known of Shane Warne's movements - and, of course, Warne himself

What has the IPL/ICL done to them?

The involvement of Warne in the IPL has meant that they have lost their captain and it is not ideal his replacement is also involved. Rod Bransgrove has taken a fair-minded view; other chairmen would not have been so accommodating

What is their nickname?

Hawks

How did they fare last season?

LV County Championship: 5th, first division; NatWest Pro40: 4th, first division; Friends Provident Trophy: finalists; Twenty20 Cup: 6th, South group

What are their prospects?

Relegation from the County Championship first division should not be ruled out in the wake of Warne. There did not seem to be an obvious successor as captain

What are their strengths?

Michael Carberry's impressive development, the pace of Bond, if he stays fit, and Kevin Pietersen's presence on occasions. John Crawley will be hoping to recapture his form of 2006

What are their weaknesses?

On account of three departures, the bowling is weakened. Much will depend on Chris Tremlett, who was born under an unlucky star, but who, according to Tim, his father, the director of cricket, is fit

One to watch

Liam Dawson, an 18-year-old left-arm spinner, will have much to do in the absence of Warne and Udal