Whatever next…Somerset recruiting Joel Garner to spear his yorkers down in the Twenty20 or Sir Viv snapped up for a few sneaky one day games…Well, the news that Surrey have signed Chris Lewis has come as a shock to most… yes, that Chris Lewis from (sorry Chris) a bygone age when England played their ODi cricket in pale blue pyjamas and when, actually, England were at their best in the shorter form of the game.

It seems odd not to use the format to blood younger talent who might come through and play in one day and four day cricket but it might be a keen punt that works. It’s only 20 overs after all, he can bowl 18 balls and then throw himself about in the field and have a late order thrash with the bat. Glorified pub cricket that’s been played since the dinosaurs roamed the earth.

My initial reaction was one of slight incredulity but anyone remember a certain Otis Gibson? he wasn’t half bad with his 80 wickets. Could yet turn out to be inspired and if not, Surrey had better prepare for octagenarian gags by the sackload….