BY TIM CURTIS

LAST year was a great season for Worcestershire des-pite the disappointment of losing a Lord's final and being relegated from National League Division One.

Their cricket was impressive and, crucially, they dominated the four-day competition.

But, and it's a big but, that was Division Two. Portsmouth dominated football's 'second' division but are struggling to stay afloat in the top flight this year.

Can Ben Smith and Tom Moody lift the side's performance further? Does English cricket's top division require such an improvement?

As England prosper at the expense of the West Indians so the pendulum swings back toward those who defend our domestic structure and away from those who would radically overhaul it.

Such short term swings should not sway us of course. Rather we should be looking to see whether there are clear patterns emerging of more durable, technically assured batsmen, bowlers who can both attack and control, all playing in more competitive situations.

In this respect Worcestershire can be the litmus test for the quality of our First Division and its suitability as a preparation for Test match cricket.

In Kabir Ali, Vikram Solanki and Gareth Batty, Worcestershire have three nearly men, players who have tasted international cricket without establishing themselves. Will they thrive or falter in what should be the more rarified atmosphere of the First Division?

If they do thrive, will the selectors recognise this as evidence of their ability to compete at the highest level?

This is the first time for Worcestershire in the top flight since two divisions were introduced. Lancashire and Surrey home and away will be a real test. These are powerful counties who have used their resources to establish themselves at the forefront of the modern game. Dominic Cork's close season transfer to Lancashire is the most obvious example of how such power will be maintained.

Memorably, in last year's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final, Graeme Hick was stirred by the challenge which such an occasion and opposition represented. The familiar sureness of touch returned.

Worcestershire fans will want to see a season-long repeat of that and for all players to be similarly motivated by the challenge.

The batting will certainly be tested; Anurag Singh's departure and Kadeer Ali's injury leave the way open for Stephen Moore to impress in his first full season. He returns from a winter in Australia where his efforts in grade cricket earned him rave reviews. What better way to prove himself than against Kent and then last year's champions Sussex in this year's first Championship match at New Road?

Andy Bichel's is a welcome return to New Road. He does not have Nantie Hayward's raw pace, but he has a proven track record of dismissing international batsmen on all surfaces. It will be interesting to compare their relative performances this year with Hayward returning to play for Middlesex.

Bichel's batting will add valuable depth to an order which has lacked consistency. It all also tilts the balance of the side towards one which should be stronger in the one-day game.

So if last year's success was measured by the four-day triumph, could this year's be measured by achieving First Division status in both formats?

The New Zealanders visit in early May; they will certainly test England's resolve.

Will the First Division test Worcestershire's resolve, forge its young talents in a fiercer fire? Let us hope so and that Worcestershire can take its place in the brave new world.