Former Zimbabwe Test batsman Murray Goodwin is determined not to live in the shadow of Michael Bevan as Sussex's overseas player this season.

Bevan is in the Australian squad for the Ashes series this summer so Goodwin has taken his place for one season with the Australian returning next year.

Bevan hit 2,183 in all cricket last summer but Goodwin says he will not allow the Australian's success increase the pressure on himself. But he is looking to perform well, not least in an attempt to secure another county for next season.

Goodwin said: "Michael Bevan had a brilliant season last year but he's not here now and hopefully I can make my mark.

"The challenge of scoring the number of runs he did is a terrific one, but I'm my own man and I don't want to put too much pressure on myself in my first season.

"I've got nothing to lose. I just want to go out there, enjoy it, obviously do as well as I can and help the team in any way."

Sussex chief executive Dave Gilbert said: "Murray knows that if he does well for us this year it'll strengthen his chances of getting another county in 2002.

"He bats well in pressure situations and although Zimbabwe are the worst-ranked Test country he has done very well for them."

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