After returning to the cold weather in Wales from their Zimbabwean preseason tour, Glamorgan captain David Lloyd insists that his side is ready to warm up the Welsh capital, as they begin their promotion push for Division One in the LV= County Championship this month.

Glamorgan missed out on promotion to Division One last year by just nine points, with Middlesex CCC sealing promotion during the final game week.

Despite that disappointment, Glamorgan will certainly take plenty of positives from their campaign, having picked up six wins and recorded just three losses from their 14 games. And Lloyd believes his team has what it takes to go that extra step this season.

Since taking over the Glamorgan captaincy in the four-day and T20 formats last year, Lloyd has continued to impress with the bat. But the 30-year-old will be hoping he can continue to balance his roles as he aims to help his side compete across all formats this year.

Lloyd is the first Glamorgan cricketer born in North Wales to captain the side since Wilf Wooller back in 1947. Regarding the honour, he said: “It’s important for me, being from North Wales, to give girls and boys from across the North of the country belief, to show that it is possible to have a career.

“It’s a huge honour to captain the club again. It’s something when you’re a young boy you dream of, firstly playing for Glamorgan and then to captain the side now is beyond that.”

“Without my parents, I wouldn’t probably be here today in terms of what they gave up. Coming from North Wales, they would bring me down to Cardiff almost every weekend, so I’m very grateful to them for that.

“I am very lucky in terms of the number of leaders we have on the pitch here, especially in the slip cordon. Chris Cooke is keeping, then I’m at first slip, and Sam Northeast is at second slip.

“Kiran Carlson is always on hand, even though he is a young guy; he’s already got plenty of experience, and Marnus will be in my ear, mainly to get on to bowl, but it’s a really good mix.”

On his own game, Lloyd hopes to build on an impressive season last year, having scored 313* against Derbyshire, the highest total by a Glamorgan captain.

“It’s still a bit of a blur, to be honest. Looking back now, I have to think to myself, ‘Did that really happen?’ It’s great to have that blueprint to look back on, but I want to experience it again and keep scoring runs,” said Lloyd.

“Ahead of this year, it’s all about keeping grounded. I’ve probably worked harder than ever, and I’m still tinkering around with things because I’m always trying to improve.

“Opening the batting can be difficult, as you do get good balls, and things can be a bit harder, but it’s just trying to stick with that process.”

Impressive performances from Lloyd himself, Sam Northeast, Colin Ingram, and Michael Neser will give Glamorgan fans plenty of belief that their team can push on this season.

With Australia’s world-beating batsman Marnus Labuschagne returning to the Welsh county, there is certainly enough positivity to support the idea that another potential promotion push is possible in the red ball format.

Not only are the big-name players performing well, but the younger players who are coming through are hitting their stride at the right moment.

The 50-over captain Kiran Carlson continues to pile on the runs, while Daniel Douthwaite, Tom Bevan, and Alex Horton are all putting in performances that will have Maynard scratching his head regarding team selection.

Lloyd said, “It is important to see Welsh youngsters coming through the system, playing alongside the more experienced members of the squad. Last season shows there is an opportunity if you put in the hard work in.

“There are some really exciting lads coming through. It’s an exciting year for the likes of Tom Bevan, Alex Horton, and Daniel Douthwaite.

“There’s a good core group of young lads in the squad, and they are going to get chances with a squad being smaller.

“You always want to see young lads come into the squad, especially as a Welsh County, so yeah, it’s exciting times, and I’m sure they’ll all get opportunities at some point this year.”

Glamorgan have been boosted with the arrival of Australian internationals Labushagne and Neser and Lloyd hopes they can use their international experience to push the squad forward.

The 30-year-old said: “We had a great time in Zimbabwe during preseason, and the lads are really excited to get going. Marnus (Labuschagne) and (Michael) Neser arrived a couple of days ago, which is a huge boost for us.

“They have been in training and they’re ready to go, ahead of a really important summer for the pair, with the Ashes coming up. Just having those two in the squad lifts everyone.

“Obviously, they are two very good players who bring a lot to our dressing room. The standard rises as soon as they arrive, and they really drive training and performance through their leadership.

“We are obviously delighted to have them. I’ve spoken to the pair briefly and they are desperate to get going.”

With competition in Division Two of the Championship on the rise, Glamorgan will need to tap into the full potential of their younger players, as well as leaning on the experience of their more seasoned pros, if they are to secure promotion.