Sussex will again be without Michael Bevan at the start and end of next season.

The Australian is due to return for his third summer with the county, but his arrival will probably be delayed until mid-May because of Australia's short tour of Zimbabwe which starts in April.

The Aussies are also due to visit Pakistan in September and Chief Executive Dave Gilbert expects Bevan, who arrives here next week with the Ashes party, to be called away to a training camp in August.

It is no wonder Gilbert is keen on the idea that counties are able to employ more than one overseas star, especially if their main attraction is tied down by the increasingly congested international calendar.

He said: "What with English Test players being tied down to central contracts and the overseas calendar getting busier and busier I can see a time when counties are able to employ a second overseas player, even if it is just for a few weeks."