Smith back with Sussex for t20

Dwayne Smith savours the taste of Twenty20 Cup success last year, after his 59 helped beat Somerset at Edgbaston

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Sussex have announced that Dwayne Smith will return to the club as their second overseas player in the Friends Provident t20 competition, subject to being granted a work permit.

The 26-year-old Bajan all-rounder scored 59 from 26 balls against Somerset in last season's Twenty20 Cup final victory at Edgbaston in his second season at the club.

Smith, previously registered under the Kolpak ruling, had been set to leave Sussex as he did not satisfy the ECB’s new criteria for non-qualified players.

Sussex expect to have Smith with them from June 16, making him available for the last 11 group matches of the revamped Twenty20 competition. The county are seeking a replacement overseas player for their first five games.

Having lost his Kolpak status, Smith is eligible again to play for West Indies, and was named today in their one-day squad to play Australia in the upcoming series.

His stint at Sussex will be dependent on West Indies’ international schedule.

Smith said: “It’s great to be returning to my home away from home and I’m looking forward to representing Sussex in a big way next year.

“My time so far at Hove has been hugely enjoyable and I believe that my cricket has benefited an enormous amount from the coaching and team spirit that is so evident at the county.”

Sussex captain Mike Yardy added: “Dwayne played a huge part in our Twenty20 success last season and it is very important to get a player who can change the direction of the game like he can.”

In the 2009 Twenty20 Cup, Smith scored 338 runs at an average of 34. He also bowled 24 overs of his medium-pace, taking eight wickets all told.