Wright signs new Sussex Cricket deal

The Sussex Sharks skipper, who has already spent 16 years with the club, will remain on a white-ball only contract.

Wright was Sussex’s leading run-scorer in this year’s Vitality Blast, and the third highest scorer in the entire competition, and led the Sharks to a third quarter-final in as many years.

“I’m very happy to have signed an extension to my contract.” said Wright.

“I believe I have a very important role at the club both as a player and in helping the next generation of players come through.

“2020 has been a very challenging year for the club, and I sincerely hope to help get Sussex back to competing in all forms. This club is very special to me and my family.”

Wright’s tally of 411 runs during the 2020 Blast was only bettered by Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond and Stevie Eskinazi of Middlesex, and his best performances came home and away against rivals, Hampshire.

His captaining of the side also saw Sussex reach their third consecutive T20 quarter-final, after ending the 2018 campaign as beaten finalists before defeats to Worcestershire Rapids in 2019 and Lancashire Lightning earlier this month.

Since his professional debut in 2003, Wright has established himself as one of the greatest white-ball players ever, and remains the leading run-scorer in English domestic T20 cricket.

Wright has scored a total of 7,998 Blast runs and has amassed 5,126 in List A cricket for Sussex. He also scored over 1,400 runs on the international stage for England, including 99* at the 2012 World T20.

Performance director, Keith Greenfield said: “It’s great that Luke has committed himself long term to Sussex Cricket.

“Luke is an outstanding batsman in one-day cricket and his experience and skill means he continues to go from strength to strength as a player.

“He is a valuable and important person within our club and his leadership to turn us into a winning team will be essential in the coming months and years.”