Yardy pens new Sussex deal

Michael Yardy has been included in the squad. Picture courtesy Sussex CCC

The new deal means that former Battle and Hastings Priory talent Yardy, 33, will extend his stay at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground until at least the end of the 2015 season.

Yardy, who has been awarded a testimonial year with Sussex in 2014, has played 167 first-class matches for the county, scoring more than 9,000 runs in the process. His 166 list A games for Sussex have yielded over 3,000 runs and more than 100 wickets.

He has now played 84 Twenty20 matches for the county and has been a cornerstone of the Sussex side across all three formats. He has also represented England more than 40 times in limited overs cricket and helped his country win the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean four years ago.

Yardy said: “I’m really happy to have extended my contract with Sussex. It’s really important that we keep progressing forward and challenging on all fronts. My aim is to put in match-winning performances to contribute towards that.”

Sussex’s professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: “Yards plays such an important role in our club, not only as a player but also as a custodian of the culture that is Sussex County Cricket Club.

“On both accounts we are delighted that we have him for a further two years. He is as hungry as ever and we are excited at the prospect of him helping us achieve future success.”