That might not be as many as the 13 from last year, but England will also play host to Australian tour parties for the Ashes series and the one-day competition. Added to that Sussex signing Murray Goodwin learned his trade with Western Australia, even though his international career was under the badge of Zimbabwe. Where he differs from most of his compatriots, however, is that if he had his way he would abolish the system of overseas players altogether. Young players held back After all, hardly anything was known about Jamie Cox and Simon Katich before their introduction to county cricket. There is a problem getting good young players through in this country and there are so many good young players around.
Overseas players take up a spot in the side.
I've been involved with Lancashire for around five years now. We've got a talented bowler here in Richard Green who can hardly get a game. And then there is Gary Yates who can't get in the side when Murali is around. It might be good in the short term but it has to be to the detriment of English cricket generally. I think it would be far better if there were no overseas players at all.