THE county circuit is an extremely tough one, a test of physical strength and mental resolve that stretches players to their utmost.

For that reason alone, players capable of energising their team-mates, be it by their own top performances or through their leadership qualities are like gold, particularly at the back end of the season.

Sussex wrist spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is exactly that kind of player, providing star performances and powerful leadership and it is no surprise to me that with 'Mushy' in their side Sussex are in the hunt for a possible treble this year.

The quality of an overseas player really can make a big difference to a team as we have seen ourselves at Kent.

There are a number of other high quality overseas players out there, but in most cases they are away for parts of the season and it is interesting to research the success of teams when there overseas stars up and leave.

We started the season without any overseas influence in our side and now sadly will end the season in the same situation.

Every effort is being made to ensure this won't happen again but we at Kent have been hit more than most by the power of the international call-up.

If we are to become a trophy-winning team we need to maximise the influence of our overseas options in seasons to come and do everything possible to sign players who will be with us for the entire campaign.