Reasonably satisfied about his side �..winning without playing brilliantly�.�, coach Mark Alleyne was reluctant to join the chorus of disapproval for the new C&G format, mainly because it allowed him to tinker after elimination. Enter Burnley-born Durham University graduate David Brown, younger brother of the Hampshire opener Michael, for an exotic debut. Five singles came off his first 10 balls against Surrey but the next 16 deliveries yielded 58, including five sixes.

�..An amazing innings and he�..s played with maturity since,�.� says Alleyne. �..He came here last year and played a good innings for the seconds on a quick wicket against a Lancashire attack featuring Sajid Mahmood and Oliver Newby, which showed lots of character.�.� Even more pleasing to Alleyne was Kadeer Ali�..s consistency on his return to four-day duty, notably a
match-winning stand with Alex Gidman against Leicestershire. �..He�..s played two games with a
lowest score of 42. He had some technical issues but I guess he reacts a bit more sensitively than most. We�..ve talked about the need to get ugly runs sometimes and he�..s absorbed that.�.�
Rob Steen, The Wisden Cricketer