New Indian star says Sidley can survive

The Indian star scored an unbeaten 103 on Saturday to guide Sidley to within five points of second-bottom Worthing.

In fluent English, the 28-year-old said: "We have a very good team here and it's unfortunate that we're not higher up the league. The boys are very hungry to do well and I hope I can help them win some matches. The guys have been really nice to me and I really feel at home here."

Safi has played in both London and Scotland before, but last weekend was his first sighting of a domestic wicket this summer.

He didn't take long to adjust to the conditions, though, and quickly displayed some of the form which has earned him five first class appearances for Bengal, plus a place in his country's under-19s side which toured England several years ago.

Safi, who is currently unable to bowl his off spin due to a finger injury, continued: "Initially I just tried to see off the new ball because it was doing a bit and the wicket was a little bit wet. But once I got my eye in, I just went for the bowling and I got good support from my team-mates."

Captain Jonathan Haffenden added: "It was a tremendous innings. I don't think he gave any chances and it was a top hundred."

Peter King helped Safi take Sidley past the winning post with a quickfire 34 not out, while Haffenden (16) and Keith Bradshaw (10) also chipped in as the runs were knocked off in only 29 overs.

Their cause was helped by 33 handy extras, including a remarkable 11 no balls from opening bowler Leigh Harrison (2-58).

King also excelled with the ball, taking 3-20 from nine overs in a rain-shortened game which started at around 3pm after the players had taken an early tea.

Chris Deeprose (1-44) and Bradshaw (1-18) also took wickets, but Chris Plaister (93 not out), Josh Fleming (33) and Simon Shivnarain (32) took Roffey up to the 200 mark in 40.5 overs.

The match marked the return of Australian Bradshaw, the newly-appointed chief executive officer and secretary of the MCC, to Sidley after a 20 year absence.

Haffenden went on: "It wasn't the best wicket for him to bat on, but it boosts everyone when you've got someone like that playing for you."

The match ball was sponsored by Earl's Bakery.