Prior extends contract with Sussex

Matt Prior has signed a three-year deal with Sussex which will keep him with the county side until the end of the 2011 season.

Sussex finished sixth in the County Championship last season though they won the Pro40 title. Prior scored 931 runs at 51.72 in the Championship and 286 runs at 57.20 in the Pro40 tournament. In his seven first-class seasons for Sussex, Prior has scored over 6000 runs and made 275 dismissals. He expected the team to continue to succeed under new captain Michael Yardy and cricket manager Mark Robinson.

"Sussex is a special place to play your cricket, not only because of the team spirit shown by all the players and management, but also the fantastic support shown by all the members and supporters of the club," Prior said.

Yardy was also pleased with Prior's three-year deal. "Not only a quality international player, he [Prior] is Sussex through and through and understands what the club is about and where we are looking to go in the future," Yardy said.