Zoheb Sharif, a lefthanded batsman and occasional leg-break bowler, promised much when he made his first-class debut for Essex in 2001.

But he represented Essex in only four Championship matches - and was completely overlooked for the county's National League side - before being released in 2004. However, in that year he was named second XI Player of the Year (for all counties, not just Essex).

Essex let him go because they had too many promising young talents coming through; the presence of Cook, Bopara, Pettini, Chopra meant the 1st XI opportunities he merited were non-existent. From then on, he's not been able to gel at any county, with no offers coming through. He's been at Derbyshire and Sussex among others, but as yet he has not received a contract.

Six years after his first-class debut, however, there's now another chance for him to showcase his talents after being named in a strong MCC side to face county champions Sussex in the traditional season-opener at Lord's. His inclusion came on the back of some strong performances for the universities.

Cricinfo staff April 2007

• Sussex suffer Yardy blow as MCC build lead (Apr 15, 2007)
  
• Harmison and Hoggard lead MCC attack (Apr 5, 2007)
  
• Aftab Habib's Essex future hangs in the balance (Sep 2, 2004)

Nov 25, 2004 Zoheb Sharif, portrait April 2004 © Getty Images

Sep 21, 2001 Sharif batting at Scarborough 2001 © Cricinfo Ltd

Sep 14, 2001 Essex debutant Sharif cuts a ball past keeper Blakey © Cricinfo Ltd

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