I love county cricket. Go Royals.
I think one of the main reasons we've gotten so bad is that our guys no longer hone their skills there.
Still a few few Aussies signed up to play this year: Rob Quiney, Shaun Tait (t20), Marcus North, Dirk Nannes (t20), Michael Hogan, Michael Klinger, Dan Christian (t20), George Bailey, Simon Katich, Joe Burns, Chris Rogers, Adam Voges (t20), Trent Copeland, Cameron White (t20), Ed Cowan, David Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Steve Magoffin and Phil Jaques.
:sarcasm:
I think it's more because of the packed international and domestic schedule (IPL etc); guys no longer have the time to play as many full county seasons before they start their international career.