Azeem Rafiq leaves... and rejoins.. Yorkshire

I agree he would be but where does it leave Will Beer?

There is also the issue that, as he showed at Arundel, he has lost almost all control of his bowling. I was disappointed watching him then, because he had been on my own short list of those possibles to fill a Panesar-sized hole for Sussex. Yorkshire supporters at the game then confirmed that he had lost his bowling for almost a year and that he had just about adapted to one-day games but no more.

Have you seen him play recently, leedsgull, and has he got back his old tweak and flight? If he has, then he would be worth looking at, particularly as his batting is very respectable.

Similar raw potential to Jordan before he joined us. Wouldn't be the worst signing but there is an element of risk. Tredwell would be a safer bet but worth a look if Beer isn't seen as good enough for 4 day stuff by Robbo.

I know little of Rafiq's merits but Coverpoint's comment for some reason, perhaps embarrassment , in parentheses, is irrelevant and discredits him.

Only in terms of what he's achieved in the championship. Agree Will is the better bowler in the one day competitions, probably our best one day bowler. Would I swap Rafiq for Will Beer? No I wouldn't, he's integral to our one day hopes and has time on his side to develop as an attacking leggie. We just need to find a way of playing five bowlers without losing anything in the batting department

With you on the Zaidi thing, it always was going to be a gamble, a bit too much of a gamble in my opinion, especially on a two year contract. Not bothered about Rafiq really, I couldn't see him holding down a place in a four man attack. That's part of the problem for Beer, he's too much of a luxury if you are only fielding four bowlers. Would Rafiq be able to bat in the top six, I'm not convinced, I'd rather stick with Will Beer and try to find a seamer who can bat.

What I find interesting is Yorkshire are prepared to release Rafiq and replace him with an untried, albeit he has taken more wickets this season and is in the England U19s but certainly isn't as good with the bat, 18 year old from their Academy. One thing can be said of Gillespie is that he isn't afraid to give youth a chance and the fact that Yorkshire have three players in the England squad and a further five in the Under 19s is testament to the job Gillespie is doing the same at Yorkshire. I wish Robinson would follow his example.

Jonboy - Rafiq is a number 8 at best. I agree with you but finding one is easier said than done as 17 counties (or 16 as Yorkshire don't need to strengthen) are looking for the same.