Goodwin to end stunning Sussex stint

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Murray Goodwin, one of the finest batsmen in Sussex’s history, is to leave the PROBIZ County Ground after 12 hugely successful seasons.

Former Zimbabwe international Goodwin has contributed over 23,000 runs in all formats since joining the south coast club in 2001.

The 39-year-old has also picked up three County Championship winners medals and four domestic one-day trophies with Sussex.

The club’s professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson, said: “Murray is arguably the best batsman Sussex have had and he will be greatly missed - not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room as well by all those he has helped and supported.

Murray Goodwin will not return to Hove in 2013. Mark Robinson has hailed the Zimbabwean as "arguably the best batsman Sussex have had".

“I would like to thank Murray for the help he has given me, the great service he has given to this club, and wish him, (wife) Tarsh, (and children) Jaydon and Ashton all the very best for the future.”

In an exclusive interview with ecb.co.uk at the start of the summer, Goodwin had talked openly about the challenge of defying his advancing years.

Following today’s announcement, he added: “It deeply saddens me that I have to leave Sussex at the end of the season.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years at Sussex; my family have loved every year here and we feel so privileged to have been associated with this wonderful club.

“Our boys have spent half their childhoods here and we feel they have been exposed to the very best of British life, in all its capacities.

“To the coaches, support staff and, most of all, my wonderful team mates that I have been blessed to play alongside over the years, it has been an honour and privilege to have had so much success in winning trophies for ourselves and the club.

“I feel so humbled to be part of such a wonderful team, club and ethos, and offer huge thanks to so many wonderful sponsors and supporters. We are extremely grateful for your loyal friendship and support.”

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