Indian cricket team will also welcome this move as it is due to play a full five test series starting in August in England. And Cheteshwar Pujara also signing with Yorkshire will allow both of India”s crucial test cricketers a fantastic preparation opportunity.
Cheteshwar Pujara ready for a stint in County Cricket with Yorkshire
Ishant Sharma, the tall right arm Indian pacer, will be playing in his maiden County stint as he has signed up to play for Sussex County during the upcoming season.
Ishant, who will be with the club from April 4 to June 4, will be available to play the first five County Championship fixtures for Sussex and will also be available for all eight of the Sussex Sharks” Royal London One-Day Cup matches in the group stage, Sussex Cricket announced on Thursday, February 15.
Ishant was quoted about the development as “It”s a great honor 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 to my time as part of the Sussex family this season.”
As the county faces the prospect of letting go Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan because of the IPL, getting Ishant is a crucial moment for Sussex”s chances in the upcoming season, “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.” Said the Sussex director of cricket Keith Greenfield.
BREAKING: We are delighted to announce the signing of Ishant Sharma for the first two months of the 2018 County season.
Please welcome @ImIshant to the club! #SharmaIsAShark #GOSBTS pic.twitter.com/tQJtYjdah2
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) February 15, 2018
Keith further added, “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,”.
Ishant though has substantial past experience of playing in England, he was part of the test series in 2011 and 2014. And played for India in the 2009 wt20 as well as the 2013 champions trophy.
Welcoming Ishant”s signing, head coach of Sussex Jason Gillespie said: “We”re delighted to secure the services of an experienced and very skillful 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.”
