Ishant set for Sussex stint

Cricket365
February 15, 2018

Indian quick Ishant Sharma will join Sussex for the first two months of the 2018 county season subject to BCCI approval.

Ishant is likely to feature in India’s plans for the tour to England later this year and will be eager to get accustomed to the conditions in England.

This will be Sharma’s first stint in County cricket but he is India’s third most prolific seam bowler in terms of wickets having bagged 234 scalps in 81 Tests.

Ishant said of his signing: It’s a great honour to represent Sussex CCC, the oldest first-class county, and I am looking forward with excitement to my maiden stint in county cricket.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to Sussex for taking note of my ongoing performances and deeming me suitable for this opportunity.

“I hope to add value during my time as part of the Sussex family this season.”

Ishant Sharma of India appeals unsuccessfully for LBW during the second day of the third Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and India held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 25th January 2018
Photo by: Shaun Roy / BCCI / SPORTZPICS

Sussex’s Director of Cricket Keith Greenfield hopes the seamer can help improve their young crop of quicks as well as adding cover for Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan who will feature in the IPL.

Greenfield said: “Securing Ishant’s services has been very important for us.

“Once Jofra [Archer] and CJ [Chris Jordan] were picked up in the IPL draft, it became crucial to sign an experienced international-quality seam bowler who could provide valuable support and know-how to the rest of the seamers.

“Ishant has the attributes to be very successful in early season English conditions and a great role model. He fits the bill perfectly and we look forward to welcoming him to Sussex Cricket.”

Head Coach, Jason Gillespie added: “We’re delighted to secure the services of an experienced and very skilful international seamer.

“We believe Ishant will fit right into the Sussex dressing room and we are all really looking forward to welcoming him to Hove.”