5 Players to keep an eye on in 2022 English County Championship

The English County Championship kickstarts today (7 April) as eighteen sides battle it out for the English domestic cricket circuit's most prized possession. The County is one of the most challenging red ball domestic cricket tournaments globally. Some of the best in the business ply their trades in this competition. With four fixtures lined up for Day 1, here is a list of 5 players who might light up this English County season.

Marnus Labuschagne: The Australian top order batter is all set to participate in this year's County season. Marnus will represent Glamorgan, a franchise that he joined back in 2019. The 27-year old is one of the best red ball batters going around, and he will be a treat to watch in those tough English conditions. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan's premium pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has signed a contract with English County side Middlesex and is expected to be a part of the squad till mid-July. Afridi recently led Lahore Qalandars to their inaugural Pakistan Super League title. He has been in red hot form of late. With a lot of movement available, the 22-year old will be a threat to every batter out there.

Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara has been the mainstay in the Indian Test team for years, but the recent past hasn't been kind to the Indian number 3. He recently dropped down in the BCCI contract structure. So the County is the best possible way for him to stamp his authority once again. Pujara will dawn the Sussex jersey in this year's tournament, so get ready for a quality red-ball batting performance.

Dawid Malan: The English international Dawid Malan will represent Yorkshire in the County, who will begin their season in seven days on Thursday, 14 April, as they go up against Gloucestershire. Malan will be eager to put on a show in the red-ball format and make his way back into the English Test match squad.

Ollie Pope: The 24-year-old English middle-order batter Pope will ply his trade for Surrey in the tournament. Surrey will face Warwickshire at Edgbaston on the opening day. Pope's recent international record might not be that good, but the right-handed batter is second to none in domestic cricket. He is a treat to watch, and the upcoming season provides a great opportunity for the youngster to stamp his authority.