Bevan looks for county challenge

Michael Bevan is eager to make a rapid return to county cricket, after his unexpected axing from Cricket Australia's list of contracted players for the 2004-05 season.

Bevan, 34 next month, has enjoyed successful stints with Yorkshire in 1995 and 1996, Sussex between 1998 and 2000, and Leicestershire in 2002. He will be meeting up with his manager Robert Joske on Thursday to discuss the options available to him.

The timing of Cricket Australia's announcement is particularly galling for Bevan, because most counties have not only signed up their two overseas players for the season, but have also nominated replacements in the event of an international call-up. "At this late stage, beggars can't be choosers," Joske admitted to AAP, "but we were already looking at a short-term stint for him on the basis that he would be playing for Australia.

"I'm keen now to continue looking at that and also to find out if there is any opportunity for a full-term stint," added Joske. "We're not going to play all our cards too early. We will meet tomorrow and discuss the various options available for him, and what he wants for his career and his family."