Ambrose signs for Warwickshire

Tim Ambrose, the Sussex wicketkeeper/ batsman, will be a Warwickshire player from next season, after signing a three-year contract.

Ambrose, who was part of Sussex's Championship-winning side in 2003, has scored over 2000 runs at an average of 32.70 in the 47 first-class matches he has played and will battle with Tony Frost for a position that was once held by Keith Piper, the veteran squad member who was sacked for drug use last season.

A delighted Ambrose said: "It was a tough decision to make but it's one that gives me a tremendous opportunity to further develop my game with one of the best clubs in the country." His opportunities to keep wicket at Sussex were becoming more limited as Matt Prior's reputation began to grow, and this move should help both players.

Mark Greatbatch, Warwickshire's newly appointed director of coaching, added: "Tim is a very good quality player and we are delighted that he has decided to join us. We feel it's vital to have depth in all our skill areas and look forward to him playing for us next season."