All-rounder Samit Patel believes Nottinghamshire have the strength-in-depth to go one better and win the LV County Championship Division One title in 2009.

"The strength in depth we've got is phenomenal, with the likes of Chris Read, Mark Ealham and now Ali Brown coming into the squad."
Samit Patel Quotes of the week

The Outlaws were edged out of the coveted domestic trophy on the final day of the 2008 campaign as Durham celebrated clinching their maiden title.

Patel and his team-mates suffered a heartbreaking defeat at home to Hampshire, meaning Durham's win at Kent ensured the title headed to the north east just 16 years after the county were handed first-class status.

And, whilst admitting that Nottinghamshire only had themselves to blame, Patel now hopes the pain of that defeat will serve as motivation throughout the upcoming season.

Winter recruits

"When it came down to the crunch last season Notts didn't quite get over the line and that's our own fault," Patel told April's edition of The Wisden Cricketer.

"But we have got a really, really strong squad and, if we stay fit, then we'll come close again - it's all about our batters doing it under pressure.

"The strength-in-depth we've got is phenomenal, with the likes of Chris Read, Mark Ealham and now Ali Brown coming into the squad. And Andre Adams bats at No.10; he's an international cricketer. It just shows how strong we are."

Former England international Brown joins namesake Jason at Trent Bridge as one of two high profile signings during the winter following his move from Surrey.

Off-spinner Jason Brown has joined the club from Northamptonshire as back-up for England duo Patel and Graeme Swann, and the former admits both signings have been well-received within the club.

Fantastic

"The signings have been the best around. There aren't many teams who have signed good players apart from Sussex, who have recruited Ed Joyce," he said.

"There aren't that many good signings to be had. Ali Brown's destructive and Jason Brown's come from Northampton as a back-up for me and Graeme Swann.

"He's got a great record in one-day cricket. So we should be able to play three spinners at Trent Bridge this year."

As well as the new recruits, Patel, who has played 11 ODIs for England so far, is also joined by a more familiar face at Trent Bridge this season.

Younger brother Akhil, 18, has recently been handed a contract by Nottinghamshire, and Samit admits the prospect of two Patel's representing England would be fantastic.

"He's just got a contract at Notts. Whether he can break into the first team just depends on how we go but I think he'll find it easier than I did," he said.

"If he performs, then I think he might crack it. Hopefully we'll end up playing for England together."

For more see April's edition of The Wisden Cricketer or visit www.thewisdencricketer.com