Success stories keep coming for pathway...

STAFFORDSHIRE have a rich history of helping to develop players for the first-class game.

- Chris Travers

And there have been a few new chapters added to that particular story in recent times. Batsman Zen Malik, all-rounder Joe Hawkins and seamer Rory Haydon have all progressed through the county system to step up to the professional arena.

Malik signed a two-year deal with Warwickshire at the back end of last year, while Hawkins and Haydon recently signed short-term deals at Derbyshire.

All three have made an impact already.

Malik, pictured right, aged 27, has already churned out two County Championship centuries - against Surrey and Worcestershire - since making the move to Edgbaston.

Hawkins, just 18, made his four-day bow for Derbyshire against Northamptonshire, picking up a couple of wickets with his off spin and contributing 34 in the first innings with the bat.