Sussex wicketkeeper extends contract
Vice-captain Ben Brown signs three-year extension
Sussex wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Brown has signed an extension to his current contract, which will see him remain at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground until at least the end of the 2018 season.
It has also been confirmed that Brown will take on the role of vice-captain for the season ahead, with Luke Wright captain across all three formats.
The Crawley-born 27 year-old made his first-class debut back in 2007 and has gone on to score over 4,000 runs in 84 matches after progressing through the Sussex Youth and Academy set-up.
He passed the 1,000 run mark in County Championship cricket for the first time in 2015, averaging 44.82 including four centuries. His best of 144 not out came in the victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl in Sussex’s first outing of the season.
Brown, who will head to Cape Town to work with Gary Kirsten in the new year ahead of Sussex’s pre-season preparations, said, “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for another three years. It’s a bit longer term that I have signed for before, and it’s obviously great for me to have the security to go and play how I want to play.
“It was very pleasing on a personal note to play how I did last season in red-ball cricket. There are a few of us now who have signed long-term deals and found consistency across all formats, and there is a responsibility for me to become a senior player in the group.
“It’s an honour to be named vice-captain, and as a homegrown player it’s really exciting to reach these milestones in your career.
Sussex’s Head Coach Mark Davis said, “We are delighted that Ben has committed himself to the club for a further three years.
“He had a great season in 2015 and we’re looking forward to him continuing his career with Sussex and having the honour of being vice-captain. He is a natural leader who will be of great support to Luke and be a positive influence in the dressing room.”