Leicestershire Foxes' players know that they have to hit the ground running if they are to mount a credible challenge in this year's Friends Life T20 competition.
And that applies more than most to Bangladesh international Shakib Al Hasan, who only joined up with his new colleagues at Grace Road on Monday.
Shakib is the Foxes' second overseas player for the quickfire competition, lining up alongside Queenslander Joe Burns in a side captained by Josh Cobb which gets into action this evening against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
Ability apart, the big plus for the Foxes is that Shakib has played T20 in this country before, across the Midlands at Worcestershire a couple of years ago, so is well versed with what the competition is about.
He is an accomplished player in all formats, too, so should be able to settle quickly.
"I had a great experience with Worcestershire," said the 26-year-old.
"I enjoyed my time there and now I'm looking forward to playing with Leicestershire.
"I'm still settling in and getting to know the team, but we have a couple more sessions before our first match.
"Leicestershire are a disciplined side and the boys are keen to do the hard work."
One player he does not need to get to know is his new captain. The pair played together in the Dhaka side which won the Bangladesh Premier League earlier this year, and Shakib believes Cobb will be one of the players to make an impact this summer.
"Josh is a very exciting player," said Shakib.
"He is a very good player to watch. When he is on song he can smash the ball all over the park."
Cobb can also provide options with his off-spin, and the Foxes will be looking to slow left-armer Shakib to do his share of bowling as well as stack up quick runs.
"I want to enjoy the game while I'm here," he said. "I want to contribute to the team in any way I can, with the bat, the ball or in the field.
"It is a young team as far as I can see but, hopefully, it will gel."
If it does, then the crowds should roll up in good numbers at Grace Road – although the weather still remains the greatest factor in terms of getting people through the gates.
Shakib is also looking forward to returning to Trent Bridge, rated by most people as one of the best grounds on the county circuit.
He said: "I've enjoyed playing there in the past for Bangladesh. We played in the T20 World Cup there. We played a few teams and I remember that I bowled well."
A repeat performance would be the ideal start for the Foxes, who have fond memories of Nottingham after they won their second T20 title at Trent Bridge by beating the hosts by four runs in the final.
