Sussex invest in Machan

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Matt Machan impressed in his first-team appearances for Sussex this summer and has been rewarded with a two-year contract

Sussex have handed a first professional contract to 20-year-old batsman Matt Machan.

Having progressed through the youth and Academy ranks at the PROBIZ County Ground, the Brighton-born left-hander broke into Sussex’s first team towards the end of the 2011 season and scored 56 in a 45-over match against the touring Indians before striking 71 on his LV= County Championship bow against Nottinghamshire.

Machan, who made his first-class and one-day debuts in 2010, has now been rewarded with a two-year deal.

Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: “Matt’s performances throughout the summer, but especially in the two first team games he played, have shown that he has the potential to be a very good player.

“The two-year contract will now give him the time to take his game forward.”

Machan added: “I’m delighted to have signed with Sussex for the next two years as I feel that I’ve had a great season.

“I’d like to thank all of the coaches for the support they’ve given me and I’ll be going to Australia now for the next couple of months to build on my game and work towards the 2012 season.”

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