To meteorologists, the significance of June 1 is that it marks the official start of summer, even if the bitter experience of most people is that the temperature usually goes down several degrees.

It’s every bit as important a day for county cricket clubs, who – if the recent pattern of fixtures is followed – are embarking on their Vitality Blast campaigns, hoping to make finals day at Edgbaston.

On a longer-term basis it’s just as vital because from that day clubs are allowed to make approaches to players at other counties whose contracts are due to run out at the end of the season.

Perish the thought that word might have reached a player before that time that another club may be interested in acquiring their services, of course.

Assuming due process is followed, potential targets can be lined up, directors of cricket and head coaches breaking off briefly from the current campaign to consider where they might strengthen for next year.

Counties prefer not to let players they wish to keep wind down their contracts into the final year while many are more than happy to sign an extension with more than a year to go – should the terms be agreeable – in order to avoid uncertainty, particularly should they be unlucky enough to suffer an injury.

Some will inevitably be keen to test the water or simply feel a change will be good for their prospects of making a claim for England selection, improving their lifestyle or just a change of scenery.

One national newspaper reported recently that Gloucestershire, relegated to County Championship Division Two in 2022 and treading ground for much of the time since, have nine players whose contracts end this year and other clubs were said to be interested in acquiring the services of at least some of them. Like several counties, Gloucestershire have struggled financially in recent times and their attentions are understandably divided by the possibility that they will be moving ground some time in the next decade.

Inevitably, Surrey were mentioned among the potential suitors and it’s no surprise why, given they are the most financially successful cricket club in the country.

That has proved a double-edged sword at times. Any agent worth his salt is likely to slip to the media that his man is the target of the leading clubs in a bid to drive up the value of any future contract. The captain of a nearby county was twice linked with a move to the Kia Oval around 15 to 20 years ago, however erroneously, while a batter at another club a little earlier was regarded in some quarters as virtually having his own peg in the dressing room. The only problem was that Surrey’s coach at the time hadn’t even heard of him, never mind wanting to engage his services. Social media has fed the rumour mill even more generously.

As Surrey head into a transitional period – which may already have started, given they often arrive sooner than you expect, like those June rainstorms – and the players who have given them domination of the Championship begin to depart, the comings and goings are likely to increase.

But should you read that Player A is a dead cert to be on view next season at The Oval, don’t take it as holy writ.

By Richard Spiller