Hampshire
Captain: Jimmy Adams
Coach: Giles White
The loss of bowler Kabir Ali and batsman Simon Katich to league rivals Lancashire is a blow for Hampshire as they desperately battle for promotion.
Adams is a solid captain and wicketkeeper Michael Bates and seamer Saeed Ajmal will be important players for the county this season.
The club will welcome Leicestershire to the Rose Bowl on Wednesday.
Kent
Captain: James Tredwell
Coach: Jimmy Adams
Desperately unlucky in 2012 after missing out on promotion to Division One by a single position to Yorkshire.
Kent also have a new captain in James Tredwell, which could mean former England batsman Rob Key will be able to score more runs without the pressure of leading the side.
Kent won’t play on the opening day of the season due to the nine-team problem of the division.
Lancashire
Captain: Glen Chapple
Coach: Peter Moores
Relegated from Division One last year Lancashire will be hoping to bounce straight back after bringing in several new players in the close season.
Bowler Kabir Ali and all-rounder Wayne White are two men who should make an impact at Old Trafford, as are experienced overseas batsmen Simon Katich and Ashwell Prince.
The county take on Worcestershire as they start their title challenge.
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