Vaughan: Overseas players can benefit county game

Michael Vaughan has put the other side of the argument about overseas recruits, saying he benefited from the influence of two Australians.

The growing number of players in county sides who are ineligible to represent England has become an issue, especially since clubs began signing work permit or holiday visa performers in addition to their two foreign stars.

The ECB plan to make the 18 first-class counties earn up to 25 per cent of their handout by producing home talent. Some people believe England are damaging themselves by allowing some overseas players to use domestic cricket as a finishing school.

But England captain Vaughan said: "We are accommodating. But you have to respect the fact that overseas players have brought a great deal to our game."

Aussies Michael Bevan, for years the world's best one-day batsman, and Darren Lehmann, who had a long and successful international career, were team-mates of Vaughan.

"Lehmann and Bevan playing at Yorkshire brought my game on a lot more. I'm very fortunate to have played with those two," he said.