Hamilton-Brown back to the future at Sussex

By Bruce Talbot

Rory Hamilton-Brown believes he will emerge from the 'awful tragedy' of losing his best friend by realising his potential in a second spell with Sussex.

Having been released by Surrey at the end of the season, the 25-year-old is returning to Hove on a three-year contract three years after he left Sussex to take over as captain at the Oval.

Hamilton-Brown led Surrey back into the first division in 2011 and lifted the Clydesdale Bank 40 trophy, but this season was completely overshadowed by the death of his close friend Tom Maynard, who died in June after he was struck by a tube train.

Hamilton-Brown opted to make a clean break from Surrey at the end of the season and it was thought he would end up signing for Somerset but once he made it clear that he favoured a return to Hove a deal was quickly sorted out.

He said: "Losing my best friend Tom 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. There is nothing like feeling wanted to raise the spirits and I fully intend to repay the confidence they have shown in me."

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson felt at the time of his departure in 2009 that Hamilton-Brown had made a mistake by putting himself under unnecessary pressure by taking over as Surrey captain.

He is delighted to have him back and believes the best years of his career are ahead of him. He will be a solid replacement for Murray Goodwin, who left Hove after 12 seasons earlier this month.

"Rory has moved his game on since he left but we feel there is still a bit of growth to go," said Robinson. "He has obviously had a very difficult year with the loss of his best friend but we hope we can help him to move on and start enjoying his cricket again."



Date: 28/09/2012 14:39:00 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Sussex | Surrey |