VOX POP Cricket: As the new season opens, who will finish it leading the batting averages?

JACK BIRKENSHAW

LEICESTERSHIRE COACH

Matthew Hayden has a good chance at Northants, but it's a difficult call. The England Test players won't get enough county cricket under their belts to challenge this season. That's why I think it will be an overseas player. As the captain, he's someone who likes to lead by example. He's a hungry batsman who likes to get on the front foot and have a go, and he's a big lad who hits very hard. Also he wants to get back in the Australian team. Of the English boys, Leicestershire's Ben Smith will be up there.

CHARLOTTE EDWARDS

ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL

Mal Loye I believe might just do it. He is certainly the one player to look out for. He had a good season last year, as well as a relatively successful A tour. He is unlikely to be picked for England [the senior side], so he will probably play a lot of county cricket this season. He has shown that he can make big scores. Last season he got an impressive 300, and was consistent throughout. His concentration is excellent and he can vary his shots. Also I can see Northamptonshire having quite a good season.

JOHN CARR

TOP OF AVERAGES, 1994

John Crawley is the man I would put my money on. He had a good county season last year, and he has got a head-start on some of the folk who will be involved in the World Cup during the early part of the season. I also think he is due another big season, and this could well be the one. He is an interesting player to watch, a great all-rounder. He can play off the front or the back foot equally comfortably, and he is very good at dealing with spinners. He has every chance of a good year.

BARRIE LEADBEATER

UMPIRE

Greg Blewett. He's coming to Yorkshire this season, and I would be surprised if he didn't score a lot of runs. He is a quality player; someone who is sure to be there or thereabouts come the end of the year. He's pretty solid really, for an Aussie. He may not be as free and easy as some of them, but he's got a good technique. So if he gets in, I think he will score heavily. I just have this sneaky feeling that an established overseas player will top the table. But, if one of them

doesn't, then either Darren Maddy or Ben Smith might.

ED GIDDINS

BOTTOM OF AVERAGES, 1998

Matthew Hayden I think. He still has a lot of international ambition and he is very strong. I've played against him a few times on tour when I was with Sussex, and he is one of those players who always seems to have a lot of time. Even if you bowl quickly at him, he still doesn't give the impression of being hurried or worried; he just has slightly better reactions. Also, as Northants' captain, he will want to lead by example. Some of their wickets will probably be very flat, which should further help his cause.

NICHOLAS PARSONS

PRESIDENT, LORD'S TAVERNERS

Andrew Flintoff would, from the point of view of the good of the game, be an exciting winner. He is already knocking the ball out of the ground in most places, not least Sharjah, where he hit three big sixes earlier this week. He's a great prospect, so let's hope he blossoms. The top batsman is usually a solid county cricketer who possibly doesn't get picked for England. But it would be positive to see a bright spark, who plays entertaining cricket and can bring in the crowds, finish top of the list.

ALEX HAYES