Livingstone has been playing first grade of late, but teams are only allowed to field one foreign import in each team, which means either himself or Brooks will have to drop down a level in the New Year.

Before leaving Headingley last week, Brooks was even expecting to be sharing a house with the Lightning’s limited overs batsman as well as expecting to win out in the selection call.

“I think I will be living with him, so it will be interesting getting a Lanky and a Yorky together,” said 31-year-old Brooks.

“I’ve played against him, but I don’t really know him.

“He’s been playing first grade, but you can’t have two English guys in the same team, so I’m not sure what they’re going to do.

“They have said that I will play in the first grade.

“I’d understand it if I played a second grade game to begin with, but I organised it before his name cropped up. And I’m the senior pro. I think he would understand!

“I’m going away because I know what I’m going to get. Practice wise, I’d be bowling back at Headingley anyway, so I’d much rather be on grass for a couple of months.

“Grade cricket is pretty tough. First grade is not as high as county or second XI in England, but it’s played with a professional attitude.”