Ryan Harris signs for Sussex

Sussex have signed Ryan Harris, the South Australia allrounder, who holds a British passport after beating off interest from other counties. Harris is South Australia's highest wicket-taker in the Pura Cup with 33 scalps and is the fourth highest in the domestic season.

According to The Argus, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Essex were also chasing Harris's signature but he eventually opted for the defending county champions.

"We are delighted to have finally got our man. Ryan is a bowler we have been tracking most of the winter and we've used our contact to find out as much about him as we can," cricket manager Mark Robinson said. "He's an exciting prospect who has the potential to bowl quickly. Moreover, Ryan is an outstanding fielder and a more than handy lower order batsman. He completes our squad and gives us the extra fire power we need for the defence of our title."

The signing still needs to be confirmed by the ECB but Sussex don't foresee any problems. Harris will add valuable depth to Sussex's squad - one of the smallest on the circuit - as they aim to defend their Championship title. Alongside his 33 Pura Cup wickets Harris has also scored 286 runs at 23.

During the winter Sussex have lost the retired Richard Montgomerie, Saqlain Mushtaq who has gone to Surrey and Rana Naved to Yorkshire.

Sussex begin their season against MCC, at Lord's, on April 10 before their opening Championship fixture against Hampshire, at The Rose Bowl, on April 16.