Nottinghamshire
Captain: Chris Read
Coach: Mike Newell
The Trent Bridge side have generally always competed well in the County Championship and recruited strongly again this year, with the arrival of bowler Ajmal Shahzad and Australian Test batsman Ed Cowan.
Nottinghamshire have strong batting depth but will be hoping Shahzad can help Andre Adams in what was practically a one man bowling attack last season.
Notts will be looking to get their season off to a winning start when they host Middlesex.
Somerset
Captain: Marcus Trescothick
Coach: Andy Hurry
After finishing second in Division One last year Somerset must be wondering when their time is finally going to come.
However, they do have some impressive quality in the side with captain Trescothick, James Hildreth and young England duo Craig Kieswetter and Jos Buttler.
The south-west side will make the long trip to Durham for the opening of the County Championship.
Surrey
Captain: Graeme Smith
Coach: Chris Adams
The county have had a difficult close season after the shock death of 23-year-old star Tom Maynard last year.
Surrey lost skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown in the aftermath of Maynard’s death, but have brought in a wealth of experience for 2013 with Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith and Vikram Solanki.
In a Division of odd numbers Surrey will be the first side to sit out a game week and play their first County Championship match against Somerset on April 17.
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