ROB Andrew's appointment as chief executive of Sussex means Durham are not the only second division county hoping to find a stimulus from a high profile figure.

Andrew made a better start than Ian Botham, Durham's new chairman, by taking part in a press conference to announce his arrival.

While we await to see whether Botham will follow suit on his return from commentating duties in India, Andrew let it be known that he will be much more than a figurehead.

He indicated that his finger is at least partly on cricket's pulse by querying whether Australia's Test struggles are a reflection of their increasing emphasis on Twenty20.

Sussex are one of three counties opposed to the ECB's plan to bring in a city-based eight-team T20 competition, which will mirror Australia's Big Bash.

By taking away Durham's right to stage Test cricket, the ECB have removed any doubt about which of the nine Test venues would not be required to host one of the eight franchises.

As Durham will effectively be run by the ECB for the forseeable future, they are in no position to protest about anything unless Botham decides to use his clout.

As with Andrew, it is hoped that his clout will attract investment as well as stirring up interest, although Sussex are not in debt.

Whether Andrew, a Barnard Castle School product, could have been tempted back to his native North-East after relinquishing his high-ranking post at Twickenham will remain unknown.

His reputation in rugby took a bit of a battering, probably unfairly, during his ten years with the RFU and he chose to apply for the Sussex job, along with around 50 others.

Finances have not generally been a problem for Andrew in his working life, which he began with the backing of Sir John Hall at Newcastle Falcons.

No expense was spared in assembling a squad which won the Premiership at the first attempt. But things began to go wrong once Sir John walked away and after setting up a successful academy Andrew grew frustrated when the best products were tempted south.

He followed suit and claims that what he learnt about the interaction between the governing body and clubs will stand him in good stead in his new role. In that respect he is a step ahead of Botham.

As a well-groomed diplomat, Andrew should fit nicely into his Hove surroundings, albeit a long way from his Middleton Tyas roots. Botham, who has put down roots a few miles along the A66, will need to be a little more bullish.