Ishant Sharma signed up by Sussex for the coming county season

Despite featuring in 81 Test matches in the last decade, Ishant Sharma’s position in Indian Test XI is still uncertain with the increase in the options in the squad. However, the 29-year-old found his place back in the South African tour after he got his seam position right earlier this season. The speedster is now all set to fly to England for representing a county side ahead of India’s crucial tour in England later this year. India won a Test match at the Lord’s during their previous tour thanks to a 7-wicket haul from the tall pacer.

Ishant, who couldn’t find a bid in the IPL auction for the 2018 season, will feature for the Sussex County between 4th April and 4th June. He will be available for Sussex’s first five fixtures in the County Championship and all eight of their Royal London One-Day Cup group matches. Ishant went unsold in the 2017 season auctions as well but roped in by the Kings XI Punjab as a replacement for Murali Vijay. He failed to bag even one wicket in the six matches he played and conceded runs at nearly ten an over.

“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 told sussexcricket.co.uk about his signing.

Sussex’s loss is Ishant’s gain:

Ishant’s signing came in the view of Sussex losing their two crucial pacemen to the Indian Premier League. Their last year’s leading wicket-taker Jofra Archer and England International Chris Jordan will be part of the IPL in April and May. “Securing Ishant’s services has been very important for us. He 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.” said the Sussex’s Director of Cricket, Keith Greenfield.

“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.” He added.

Ishant will get a chance to work along with another tall pacer, Jason Gillespie. The former Australian took over as the Sussex’s head coach from this season only. “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.” the former Australian told Sussex Cricket website.