Having Murali Kartik back from his Indian summer has been a dream come true for Middlesex acting-captain Ed Joyce.
Kartik returned to Lord's for the start of Middlesex's Twenty20 campaign after missing the first half of the County season while turning out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
And a Middlesex bowling attack which sorely missed Kartik in his absence has now been revitalised, according to Joyce, whose side are on the verge of a Twenty20 quarter-final spot.
And Kartik has teamed up to great effect with fellow spinner Shaun Udal, whose 3-19 in Tuesday night's win over Kent means Middlesex are as good as through.
Joyce said: "Shaun and Murali are exceptional spin bowlers with the nous and experience to winkle batsman out.
"It's brilliant as captain to have these two bowling, because they set their own fields as well.
"Other teams haven't wanted to play two spinners, but it's been a no-brainer decision for us."
But it was not just the bowlers who shone against Kent. Young batsmen Eoin Morgan (61) and Dawid Malan (52 not out) gave Middlesex a commanding total of 171-7 to defend.
However, after 10 Twenty20 fixtures in 15 days, you could be forgiven for thinking Kartik and co have earned a day off - but Joyce insisted they'll get no such luxury.
Instead of hitting the golf course on Saturday - the day after their final group match against arch-rivals Surrey - they will be in the nets at Lord's.
There, after a fortnight spent trying to leather every ball to kingdom come, they'll have just a few hours to get their heads around the crucial technique adjustments necessary for the return to County Championship action against Northants on Sunday.
"We'll be in the nets getting used to leaving a few balls again," said Joyce.
"Traditionally, you get a lot of either very high or very low scoring county games after Twenty20 cricket because of the difficulties of adapting from one form to the other.
"It's a big adjustment, and whichever side deals best with the changeover will go on and win the game."
The Northants clash marks the start of the 'Uxbridge Festival', meaning Joyce and company will up sticks from Lord's.
However, Joyce feels the out-ground may suit the make-up of the Seaxes bowling attack.
He said: "Uxbridge turns a bit, and there's usually more bounce - so taller, faster bowlers, and the spinners, will appreciate it."
Captain Ed Smith (foot) and Dirk Nannes (hip) are doubtful for the Northants clash, which may also come too soon for Alan Richardson (ankle) and Danny Evans (shin), despite the duo both returning to second team action last week.
