WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Daryl Mitchell believes it is ‘difficult’ to look past Sussex in the race for promotion ahead of the County Championship Division Two campaign.
The batsman feels Sussex will be favourites to win the division as they, like the Pears, bid to regain their top flight status at the first attempt.
“I think it’s difficult to look past Sussex as they came down with us last year and were probably surprised they got relegated with the depth of the squad and quality they’ve got,” said Mitchell.
“I think they will rightly be favourites to win it as they’ve got some quality players and bat deep down in addition to having a pacy bowling attack,” he added.
The 32-year-old also believes Essex will mount a strong challenge if they play to their potential.
“Essex’s squad on paper is very strong, so they should be right up there,” he said.
“But there are a number of others that can spring a surprise or two as well. You have to respect all your opposition.
“There are some decent sides in Division Two so it’s the old cliché of taking every game as it comes and going into every game trying to win it.
“If we perform to the best of our capabilities we will be there or thereabouts.”
