Sutton's loss will be Surrey's gain when Arun Harinath teams up with the county's second team this season, according to coach Nadeem Shahid.

The 19-year-old struck 477 runs at an average of 43.36 for Sutton as they romped to the Surrey Championship Premier Division title last season.

His efforts earned him a summer contract with Surrey while he studies at Loughborough University, which could see him turn out for the second XI against Sutton on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the new season.

The catalyst for Harinath's elevation was an innings of 157 on his home ground for Surrey against Nottinghamshire.

And Shahid, himself an ex-pro with 148 first-class matches to his name, believes a spell under Keith Medlycott can only be good for the youngster's chances of progressing in the game.

"He had a slow start but we corrected his technical problems and he came back and scored 157 against Nottinghamshire, which proved his mental strength," he said.

"He is one for the future for sure. By the time he comes back from university, the Ramprakashes, Butchers and Browns of this world will have moved on, and he will be an ideal replacement.

"He definitely has what it takes. Technically, he is very sound, has shots all round the ground and his work ethic is brilliant. It is basically down to him.

"Sutton has been a great breeding ground because of Keith. Anyone playing under Medders makes my job easier, although I would like him to bat a bit higher."

Sutton were penalised three times last season for a slow over rate, incurring the wrath of Medlycott, who claimed the rule was detrimental to the development of youngsters.

And Shahid has backed his view by urging championship officials to strike a compromise between speed of play and development to help talent flow into the county set-up.

"If I want to speak to the bowlers on the field to make sure they are learning, that cannot be hurried. At the same time, you are being fined or reprimanded for a slow over rate," he added.

"I think aggressive, thinking cricket should be the norm. Through that, Sutton won the championship.

"It is man or mouse. If you are strong and handle the pressure.

"Maybe there could be a compromise, because we need players thinking about the game."