Zaidi

Yes, it looks as if Sussex got the wrong end of the stick: he wasn't a top 6 batsman and controlling spin bowler for the first-class game, but he does have great talents at T20.

The distinctions between the two types of game are becoming more marked, and while there are still quite a few who can dip in and out of both disciplines there are a growing number of players who have elected to specialise, and either prolong their careers or in some cases to reach new heights because they have realised an opportunity in fornt of them. Zaidi seems to be one of those; Tymal Mills, perhaps forced by his bizarre health condition, is another.

It is a problem for cash-strapped clubs who would, quite reasonably, like to think that a smallish squad of 20 or so will cover all their requirements. But that can be a false economy, because a side with 4 really outstanding T20 specialists will carry all before them and win money, esteem and sponsorship. It is not quite the same in the championship, although it is quite likely that there will be anything up to 4 players who won't feature in T20 because their own temperament and skills are not suited. If you go on to consider that an ambitious team might have a further 2 - 4 players who are in the ECB bubble, either as fully-fledged Internationals or waiting for their turn, then the numbers of available players equipped to compete at the highest level in any competition, and who are free of injury, and not subject to national requirements start to grow into the mid-20s and beyond. And this is before all the Kolpaks are sent home.

I was fortunate enough to be at Lords last night to see him change the course of the match. Essex looked dead in the water until he started hitting sixes for fun. An incredible knock. A gentleman in the pavilion remarked to Chris Silverwood afterwards that "that young man was a hell of a signing". The reply came back "We know. We couldn't believe Sussex let him go. Madness"

In the lords pavilion, young refers to anyone under 70