Xtra Time Web Desk: Ishant Sharma the Indian pacer joined Sussex to play his maiden Country from April 4 to June 4 and will be available to play the first five County Championship. He will play Royal London One- Day Cup matches in the group state.
He will become the third Indian cricketer after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Piyush Chawla to play for Sussex. He went unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking about his county venture, Ishant said: “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.”
Sussex regulars Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan were picked during the IPL auction. “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,” Greenfield added.
Welcoming Ishant’s signing, head coach Jason Gillespie said: “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.”
Indian cricket team will be benefited if he can play well and adopt the conditions as India will play against England after the IPL. Earlier Bhubaneswar Kumar and Sharma bowled brilliantly in England to prevent the white wash as the home side won 4-1 in the test series.