New Sussex deal for Collymore

Corey Collymore will hope to add to his nine first-class matches for Sussex so far

Former West Indies medium-pacer Corey Collymore has signed a one-year extension to his Sussex contract.

The deal, which is subject to the 31-year-old obtaining a work permit, will see the Bajan remain on the Sussex books as a Kolpak player until the end of the 2009 season.

Collymore said: “It’s great to be returning to Sussex for the 2009 season. I really enjoyed last year and feel I have a lot more to offer the club.

“It’s a great place to play your cricket. It’s an exciting time and I am looking forward to working under the new leadership of Robbo (coach Mark Robinson) and Yards (Michael Yardy).”

New Sussex captain Yardy said: “Corey was great for us last season, both on and off the field. It is good to have him back and I’m sure he’ll offer a lot. His experience and input always proves priceless.”

Collymore, who has 30 Tests and 84 one-day internationals to his name, joined Sussex when the deal for Australian paceman Ryan Harris fell through. He played nine first-class matches for Sussex last year, taking 26 wickets at an average of almost 28.

He also played two Friends Provident Trophy matches and three Twenty20 Cup games. Collymore returned to play for Barbados in the close-season, though he cannot play international cricket for West Indies.