Jason Gillespie signs Sussex contract extension to 2022

The former Australia quick joined in 2018 and has committed to at least two more years at Hove after guiding the club to the T20 Blast last eight

Sussex have tied down coach Jason Gillespie to another two years, the club have confirmed.

The ex-Australia fast bowler moved to Hove in 2018 on a three-year deal but has opted to extend his spell until the end fo the 2022 campaign.

Last season, the Sharks reached the T20 Blast quarter-finals where they lost to defending champions Worcestershire Rapids, who had beaten them in last year's final.

But they struggled in the One-Day Cup and failed to earn promotion back to Division One of the County Championship.

"I’m absolutely delighted to extend my time at Sussex," said Gillespie, 44. "I absolutely love the place and everyone at the club has been fantastic since I joined.

"I really feel we’re moving in the right direction, which is really pleasing. I can’t fault the efforts of all our players and coaches. We’re all on the same page; everyone wants what’s best for the club, and I feel we’re progressing in reaching those aims.

"We’ve had some really good times together, and we’ve had some challenging times, but we’re all clear about what we’re setting out to achieve and focussed on improving and developing to keep us moving forward. 

"That’s a pretty special thing to be part of. I want to thank the club for the opportunity to carry on being part of that and for showing faith in me. I’m determined to repay that faith by keeping things moving in the right direction and hopefully having some success down the track."

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Gillespie was one of world cricket's most ferocious bowlers in his pomp, finishing his Australia career with 259 Test wickets and 142 scalps in one-day internationals.

Rob Andrew, Sussex chief executive added: "We are delighted to announce that Dizzy [Gillespie] has extended his contract through to 2022. There is going to be a lot of change in cricket over the next couple of years and we wanted some continuity through this period.

"We still have a lot of work to do to improve the men’s side and we were disappointed not to achieve promotion to division one of the County Championship this season. It is where the club aspires to be. 

"We have been more consistent in our performances in T20 and 50-over cricket in the last couple of years but need to find that consistency in Championship cricket as well. 

"Dizzy and his coaching team will be working hard to move the club forward and we are delighted he has chosen to help us on this journey."