Jaydev Unadkat to return to Sussex for final five games in County Championship

Jaydev Unadkat is set to reunite with Sussex as the veteran pacer will be available for the last five games of their 2024 County Championship campaign.

Unadkat, who has played four Test matches, travelled to the West Indies in July 2023 and bowled just 28 overs across the two-Test series. He subsequently joined Sussex for three of the final four County Championship games last season and bagged 11 wickets at an average of 24.18. He helped his team finish third in Division 2. His standout performance for the side came against Leicestershire as he decimated the opposition batting line-up in the final session of the final day as Sussex won by just 15 runs. He battled an ankle injury to finish with figures of 6/94 in the second innings.

"It was at Hove last season when we won a last-day thriller against Leicestershire, that gave me a sense of belongingness to county cricket, and to Sussex as my home," Unadkat told Sussex in an interview.

"When Farby [head coach, Paul Farbrace] offered me a contract this season for the last leg of the championship, I was sure I wanted to come back and hopefully win games with the guys. While my first county season was good, I can't wait to be back and push for that promotion this summer which everyone at Hove is rooting for!"

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Jaydev is a lovely guy who did everything to help our players: Farbace

Meanwhile, Farbrace expressed his excitement at being able to re-sign the experienced Saurashtra pacer. The 56-year-old lauded Unadkat for not only picking up important wickets during his previous stint but also helping the players in the team by sharing his truckloads of knowledge about the sport.

"We are all delighted that Jaydev is returning to The 1st Central County Ground for the final five Championship matches of the coming season," Farbrace said.

"Jaydev lived up to the expectation that not only would he show his class on the field, but he would also be a fantastic person and be part of what we are all trying to achieve. Jaydev is a lovely guy who did everything he could to help our players and share his fantastic knowledge," he added.

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Unadkat couldn't find a place in India's Test side during the South Africa tour and the recent five-match home series against England. India's next Test assignment is still a long way off but Unadkat will look to stay in contention for a recall with a strong performance for Sussex.