Hamilton-Brown returns to Sussex

Click here for all the latest news from the domestic cricket scene, including exclusive interviews, team news, match reports and photo galleries

Sussex have re-signed Rory Hamilton-Brown on a three-year deal following his departure from Surrey.

Hamilton-Brown missed a portion of last season for the Brown Caps, whom he was captain of, following the death of team-mate and best friend Tom Maynard.

After returning towards the end of the campaign, he stated his desire to leave the Kia Oval and was subsequently released.

Rory Hamilton-Brown has opted to return to former club Sussex after being granted permission to leave Surrey, whom he skippered

That has paved the way for a return to the PROBIZ County Ground where he left prior to the 2010 season, having begun his career at Surrey and departed two years earlier.

Hamilton-Brown said: “I would like to thank Surrey for the opportunity they gave me to captain such an illustrious club at such a young age.

“At times it was very tough but I am immensely proud of what I achieved there, both as a captain and a player and specifically leading a special bunch of players to promotion and CB40 success.

“Losing my best friend Tom in June was indescribably painful. We were extremely close but ultimately I know I will emerge from this awful tragedy with renewed strength and purpose.

“I am delighted to be returning to Sussex, a club where I was previously very happy. I would like to thank Mark Robinson, his coaching staff, the players, management and board at Sussex for welcoming me back so warmly.

“There is nothing like feeling wanted to raise spirits and I fully intend to repay the confidence they have shown in me.”

Professional cricket manager Robinson added: “Everyone at the club is delighted by Rory’s return. He has had a difficult few months and we believe we can play our part to assist and enable him to look to the future with renewed enthusiasm.

“He is a very talented cricketer who is yet to reach his full potential, which makes him such an exciting and dangerous player.”

Want to know what's happening at your county? Interested in how your rivals are faring? Look no further than ecb.co.uk's county-by-county page