Zoheb Sharif

Zoheb Sharif, a lefthanded batsman and occasional leg-break bowler, promised much when he made his first-class debut for Essex in 2001.

But he represented Essex in only four Championship matches - and was completely overlooked for the county's National League side - before being released in 2004. However, in that year he was named second XI Player of the Year (for all counties, not just Essex).

Essex let him go because they had too many promising young talents coming through; the presence of Cook, Bopara, Pettini, Chopra meant the 1st XI opportunities he merited were non-existent. From then on, he's not been able to gel at any county, with no offers coming through. He's been at Derbyshire and Sussex among others, but as yet he has not received a contract.

Six years after his first-class debut, however, there's now another chance for him to showcase his talents after being named in a strong MCC side to face county champions Sussex in the traditional season-opener at Lord's. His inclusion came on the back of some strong performances for the universities.

Cricinfo staff April 2007