Laurie Evans joins Surrey on loan for T20 Blast campaign

Evans will remain at The Oval for the remainder of the summer prior to making the move permanent ahead of next season

Sussex batsman Laurie Evans will join Surrey on loan in order to feature for the county in this year’s T20 Blast ahead of a permanent move at the end of the season.

Evans - who has played in three Bob Willis Trophy matches for Surrey so far - was due to represent Sussex in the white-ball competition but stated his desire to join his new club at an earlier date. As a result, Evans will remain at The Oval for the remainder of the summer.

As part of the agreement, the 32-year-old cannot feature against Sussex in either competition.

Sussex head coach, Jason Gillespie said the club are disappointed with the decision.

“From a club point of view, we’re obviously disappointed,” said Gillespie.

“Laurie made it clear he was keen to start his time at Surrey. It therefore made sense for all parties to allow him to play for them now.

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“With Laurie preferring not to play for our team, it allows another player the opportunity to represent Sussex in the Vitality Blast. 

“Laurie has performed well for us in one-day and T20 cricket in the past, and we wish him well for the future. 

“Our focus now is on our players and to prepare them in the best possible way to allow us to challenge for success in the Blast.”

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “I’d like to thank Sussex for their understanding in allowing Laurie to join us on loan for the remainder of the season barring matches against Sussex.

“When a player has signed a contract to join another county especially having already played three matches, it’s only natural that they feel part of the new set up they’re going to be involved in.”

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