Reece Topley to leave Sussex after rejecting new "long-term" contract

The towering bowler will leave Hove following just three months at the club after turning down fresh terms

Reece Topley has rejected a long-term contract with Sussex and will leave the county ahead of next year’s domestic season. 

The left-arm pace bowler, 25, was out of action for almost a year after back surgery, but returned in July and played for the county until the end of the season, his first T20 Blast and Championship matches since the 2017 campaign

A Sussex statement said: “As a free agent and following back surgery, Reece was helped back to fitness by Sussex’s medical and coaching staff earlier this year. Despite a successful return to first-team action, Reece has decided that his future lies elsewhere.

“We are disappointed not to have been able to convince Reece to re-sign for the club but would like to thank him for his contributions during the season and wish him well at his new club.”

Topley has played in 10 one-day internationals and six T20Is for England, and the departure of the former Hampshire and Essex man – son of former Surrey and Essex cricketer Don – is a surprise less than three months after he joined the club.

He said at the time of his switch: “I’ve had to take a step back with my game for a while, so to be able to contribute for Sussex is really exciting. 

“It’s been a long time out rehabbing, so if I can make it through to the end of the season fit then work hard during the off-season so I am at my best for next summer, I’ll be thrilled. 

“I’m so grateful to Sussex for the use of all the facilities and personnel over the last few months. Everyone here has given me 100% effort, the can-do attitude around the place has been incredible and has surpassed any expectations I had.”

Topley was Sussex’s leading wicket-taker in the 2019 T20 Blast with 17 scalps at 17.94 and has an impressive first-class average of 26.18.