Will Beer has been picking up tips from his fellow spinner Rashid Khan.

But the Horsham boy who had to bide his time says it was not all one way.

Beer played huge roles in must-win games against Middlesex and Durham after Rashid’s extended stay at Hove finally came to an end.

It was a tall order, stepping in to replace the Afghanistan star who proved such a hit.

But Beer, a survivor of Sussex’s T20 success of 2009, took it in his stride.

He is likely to be a key man for Sharks in the heat of battle at Birmingham.

Beer said: “Rash was brilliant. He would bowl for hours at our wicketkeepers, he would go with the spinners, he would talk to all the batters.

“He was exactly what you would want from your international overseas player, let alone the bloke who is the biggest hype in cricket at the moment.

“His performances on the pitch and how he was off the pitch were just fantastic.

“I would talk to him about situations. We would talk about different fields, different grips, bowling and just everything.

“He was really approachable and I was trying to bounce a few ideas off him.

“But he was the same, asking me things. It wasn’t a complete one-way street.

“He is still open to learning about the game. He was talking to everyone about cricket in general.”

Rashid’s decision to extend his stay was celebrated by Sussex.

His withdrawal from the final group game by Afghanistan was seen as a blow.

And the news he will be back next term was announced with a bit of a fanfare.

And quite rightly too. But, with all three of those emotions, it was hard not to think the enthusiasm, disappointment and then joy were a bit unfair on Beer.

Especially given the way he stepped back into the attack at home to Middlesex and again in the North East.

He said: “I’ve played over 100 games now in T20. I’ve got enough experience behind me to know what I’m doing and how to handle situations and pressure.

The Argus:

Will Beer celebrates during the 2009 final

“I guess the fact that it was a knockout game meant it had a bit more of an edge on it.

“But the boys were playing good cricket, we were playing winning cricket.

“It was very easy to slip into that team because we were playing so well.

“In modern T20 you are vulnerable whichever over you bowl.

“The bats are bigger, the boundaries are smaller and you see how far the players hit the ball these days.

“It is a lot different even to 2009 when I was getting started.

“You know people are coming after you so I guess it is a good thing.

“It gives you real clarity, you know what people are trying to do.”

Beer took 2-29 in the 2009 final, claiming the wickets of James Hildreth and Craig Kieswetter.

That was his breakthrough season in the shortest format.

He said: “I’ve been on the wrong side of it and the right side.

“We lost in Cardiff in 2012 in the semi-final and that was obviously very disappointing.

“But it’s great. Any trophy you win is amazing but I think Finals Day is that extra bit special.

“The atmosphere, the hype. Everyone is really looking forward to it.

“I was just a young player back then and I was so grateful to Robbo (head coach Mark Robinson) and Yards (skipper Mike Yardy) at the time for picking me and showing faith in me.

“It all goes by so fast when you are a young player.”

“Now I’m a bit older and a bit wiser, I guess I’ll know what is coming.”