Brian Taylor has hit out at the decision by Essex to sign Grant Flower.
"It is one that cannot be in the county's best interests," insists one of the most respected characters ever to pull on an Essex sweater.
Taylor, who played for the county from 1949 to 1973, the last seven as captain, has no axe to grind with Flower, an all-rounder who will be joining his brother Andy next summer. He is just utterly dismayed at the number of overseas players who are infiltrating the game.
"The number of British-born players fielded by counties has declined rapidly over the years and is something that needs to be sorted out" he said.
"At the last count there were around 60 from overseas here, some for only a couple of games to cover for other players who were either injured or wanted by their countries for various tournaments.
"That's a ridiculous state of affairs and does nothing to encourage our own youngsters to take up the game."
Taylor insists he is not against overseas players coming over to make a living out of the game.
"When they were first allowed to play I was all for it. But in those early days only the truly world-class stars came over."
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Thursday, September 9, 2004
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