Stewart backing Bears to rule

Alec Stewart has tipped Warwickshire Bears to retain the Clydesdale Bank 40 title this season.

Former England stalwart previews the Clydesdale Bank 40 season

Former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart has tipped Warwickshire Bears to retain the Clydesdale Bank 40 title this season. The Bears begin the defence of their title in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday when they travel to last season's Friends Provident t20 champions, Hampshire. And Stewart, who played 587 times for Surrey between 1981 and 2003, believes Warwickshire are once again the team to beat in the 40-over competition. He said: "It's a difficult one to call because there are a lot of counties with plenty of talented players out there and all you need is to get on a bit of a roll and you can be in the semi-finals. "I guess you'd say maybe Warwickshire as the holders would be favourites this year as well as 2010 runners-up Somerset. "Hampshire could have a strong limited overs side this year and I think Yorkshire are a very talented side - they are producing some very good players and could be a handful.

Huge talent

"I'm going to throw in my own side Surrey, who are a young squad with emerging talent and are going to play with no fear which is what you need to do to win in limited-overs cricket." Stewart also identified four players to watch throughout the competition. Captain: Rory Hamilton-Brown (Surrey)
"He's the youngest captain on the circuit and into his second year. I'm expecting big things from him and the Surrey side." Batsman: James Hildreth (Somerset)
"Big season for him, done well for Somerset, he's had a good tour for England Lions, and he's knocking on the door of the England side." Bowler: George Dockrell (Somerset)
"We've not seen him in county cricket yet and he's recovering from an injury - he's a young lad but with huge talent." Wicketkeeper: Steve Davies (Surrey)
"A very good gloveman who is improving all the time and an exceptionally exciting batsman." Taking part in the competition alongside the 18 first-class counties are Scotland, Netherlands and the Unicorns. Current champions Warwickshire Bears will begin the defence of their title with a trip to the Rose Bowl to face Hampshire Royals. For more information about the Clydesdale Bank 40 including fixtures and Alec Stewart's views on the competition in full visit www.ecb.co.uk/ClydesdaleBank40.