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With the introduction of Twenty 20 cricket, the need for all-rounders grew a notch higher and that led to the discovery of a unique talent from Kent - Michael Yardy. The left hander's most prominent character is his shuffling around the stumps prior to facing the ball. Slightly unorthodox but Yardy is highly effective in death overs.

Yardy - who is also nicknamed 'Yards' - is a left arm bowler who does not flight the ball like those from the old school. His accurate stump to stump bowling makes him a handy bowler in the shorter formats.

Yardy started his domestic career for Sussex as an opener in 1999, but found little success until 2005 where he bounced back with five centuries, which included a mammoth 257 against Bangladesh - the highest score for a Sussex player against any touring side. After his career best 6-27 against Warwickshire, he became a vital member in the Sussex camp and is currently their skipper.

His rich form in the domestic arena earned him a place in the England A side during the WI tour and he was also a part of the Champions Trophy, the same year. Yardy made is T20 debut against Pakistan in Bristol where he played a useful hand by scoring 24 off 14 balls, and also a catch to dismiss the dangerous Afridi.

Yardy was a part of the World Cup winning England T20 side, and his performances were overhauled by the then captain, Paul Collingwood. Yardy also traveled to India for the 2011 World Cup as a second spinner alongside Swann, but returned home midway after suffering with depression. His career has come to a halt ever since.

By Cricbuzz Staff