Glamorgan's Australian stars, Matthew Elliott and Michael Kasprowicz are hoping their return to form will lead the Dragons to glory this summer.
Elliott returned home mid-way through last summer, where he endured further injury problems, but looking ahead to the new county season he believes there is plenty of optimism for a Glamorgan revival to wipe out the bitter memories of last year's relegation to the Second Division of the County Championship.
The 34-year-old left-hander, who left his native Victoria for a move to South Australia this winter, insists he is well on the way to rediscovering his best form.
In the four-day Pura Cup-Australia's equivalent of the County Championship-Elliott has scored 138 runs at 27.60 for South Australia.
In the one-day ING Cup he averages a more encouraging 36.77 from five matches.
"Last year was very disappointing for everyone at Sophia Gardens but the club made the right decision to reappoint Robert Croft as captain," Elliott said.
"It was also very sensible not sign any more overseas players because Glamorgan's future lies in the hands of the team's young players.
"This season is a massive opportunity for Hugh Waters and Dan Cherry to step up and assume more responsibility instead of relying on the senior players to carry the team.
"It's up to them to be successful for Glamorgan and I firmly believe they can play international cricket for England." Michael Kasprowicz-unceremoniously axed from both the Australian Test and one-day teams after a torrid Ashes series last year-is also working hard to rediscover his best form.
The 33-year-old has taken 21 four-day Pura Cup wickets at 22.52 in four matches-including two five-wicket hauls and a season best performance of 8-44 against Victoria at Brisbane in November.
Kasprowicz has struggled to make a similar impact in the one-day ING Cup-his six wickets have come at over 40 runs apiece-but he is looking to make a significant improvement in the second half of the season.
"I'm really happy with how I've been bowling for Queensland so far this season," he said.
"Physically, as long as I'm feeling this good by the end of the season, then hopefully it should be a good season with Glamorgan this summer.
"I'm still working on areas of my game, because there is always room for improvement, but some things I'm trying are obviously working, and I've managed to pick up a few wickets lately."
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