Yardy commits to Sussex

Michael Yardy, the England allrounder, has extended his contract with Sussex to 2009. Yardy, 25, made his first-class debut for the club in 2000 against New Zealand A and gained international honours with his England one-day debut against Pakistan at Trent Bridge earlier in the summer.

"Michael is a product of everything that is good at Sussex cricket," Mark Robinson, the Sussex cricket manager said. "He is an excellent example of the rewards that can be gained from pure hard work and dedication. Michael played first team cricket, was left out, went into the second team and decided he was going to move his game to a different level.

"This contract extension is testament to that determination and a fantastic example to all young players.

"Michael has a brilliant ability to use setbacks as a positive learning experience and use the energy to come back even stronger. His hard work has been rewarded this year by his selection for the England ICC Champions Trophy [squad] and the England Academy."