Luke Wright to captain Sussex in NatWest T20 Blast

The 29 year-old, who penned a new contract at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground in November which will see him stay with the Sharks until at least the end of the 2018 season, has made a name for himself in the shortest format of the game over the last few years and will now look to bring his twenty-over experience to the Sussex team as skipper.

Wright has played over 50 times for England in T20 cricket and last season he hit 601 runs for Sussex in the NatWest T20 Blast, included the breathtaking 153 not out from 66 balls against Essex, to lead the Sharks to a world-record run chase at Chelmsford.

He has a wealth of T20 experience from all around the globe having represented Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash, Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League, and also featuring in the domestic T20 tournaments in Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Wright, who has been awarded a Benefit Year with Sussex in 2015, said, “It is a huge honour to captain the T20 team for this great club and the club I love.

“I am really excited about putting my stamp on the T20 side and hopefully get Sussex back to where we should be, which is competing for trophies.

“We made some exciting new signings this winter and there are some very talented younger players really improving so I am very excited about what this season could bring.”

Sussex’s Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson said, “We’re delighted that Luke has agreed to become our T20 captain. He is a proven international player at this level and has gained a wealth of expertise and experience from playing this format all around the world.

“It will allow Ed Joyce to recharge his batteries mentally in what is a busy period of the summer.”