Sussex are playing a waiting game as they line up a replacement for star bowler Rana Naved.

The Pakistani has taken 24 wickets in just three games to help propel Sussex to the top of the County Championship.

But Rana, 28, will only be able to play in three more Championship matches before he joins Pakistan for their tour of England at the end of June.

Cricket manager Mark Robinson conceded today that Sussex might wait until after he has left before they sign a replacement second overseas player.

They are still hoping Rana can play against Yorkshire at Arundel on June 21 rather than join Pakistan's pre-tour training camp in Scotland. There is then a three-week break for Twenty20 Cup action before the Championship resumes on July 13 against Kent.

Robinson still favours signing another Pakistani and the county should have a better idea of their options when the tour squad is announced in the next few days.

Several players have been linked with the vacancy including Pakistan's Yasir Arafat, New Zealander Kyle Mills and Australian speedster Shaun Tait. Robinson said: "We would consider holding on until after Rana goes just to keep our options open as long as possible.

"The trouble is that the international calendar is a nightmare. We have seen other counties have had real problems finding a second overseas and we have done well to hang on as long as we have."

Rana will be rested for the four-day game against Sri Lanka which starts at Hove tomorrow (11am).