Sussex were forced to withdraw Ryan Harris from their Championship opener against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl at the last minute after he signed a three-year deal with Queensland.

Harris was picked up as a Kolpak player and joined for Sussex on the understanding that he held a British passport and met current ECB regulations. However, his deal with Queensland might put him in breach of contract with Sussex and the county are believed to be seeking clarification of the situation from the player.

"Naturally it is disappointing that Ryan was withdrawn minutes before the start of play," Gus Mackay, Sussex's chief executive, said. "We are currently working with the relevant authorities and their lawyers in the hope of resolving the situation."

Harris learned his cricket in South Australia but chased a move after they only offered him a two-year deal, despite his growing importance to the team.