Just when you think you've seen it all...

Along comes Shahid Afridi and makes you reassess your opinions.

Did anyone else see his astonishing ball-biting episode against Australia in the fifth one day international?

I've never seen anyone do that and never really expected to. I reckon he is lucky to get away with a two match ban personally, as it was a blatant attempt to change the condition of the ball. Where I come from we call that cheating.

Despite his ridiculous attempt after the game to justify it ("I just wanted us to win the game...")there can be no defence and it is especially poor to see a captain resort to this.

Afridi has had a strange career where his reputation has ebbed and flowed. He burst on to the international scene with an astonishing one day hundred, played some remarkable innings in a brief stint at Leicester and was probably the reason his country won the 20 over World Cup in this country. In between, his performances have been very ordinary and his stint with Derbyshire was largely unsuccessful.

Hampshire must be wondering what they'll be getting for this year's T20, that's for sure. The one constant with Afridi is that you never know who will turn up - the guy who will win you a game in a few overs or play very poorly.

I like my overseas players a little more reliable...

In other news, its nice to see Chris Rogers back from his broken hand in Australia. With 24 and 38 in his two innings he's needing some time in the middle but he will soon be back to his prolific best.

Finally, it was interesting to see money bags Hampshire signing Neil McKenzie as a Kolpak for the coming summer. The one thing I would say in favour of the new legislation is that it is making sides bring over only better standard Kolpaks, rather than anyone who has a bat and pads from South Africa and the Caribbean.
Robin Peterson, Makhaya Ntini and Neil McKenzie are all international cricketers - good ones - of recent vintage and will all give good service in the coming season I'm sure.

Peterson will be the best though...