Craig Cachopa extends contract with Sussex until 2017

Craig Cachopa has signed a new one-year contract extension with Sussex.

The 24-year-old right-handed batsman, who joined Sussex in 2014 and was named young player of the year in his first season, is now tied to the club until the end of the 2017 campaign.

Last year he starred in the Sharks' NatWest T20 Blast tournament, averaging 41.57 with the bat, and hit 144 in the win over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

The former New Zealand U19 captain, who was born in South Africa, grew up in New Zealand and holds a Portuguese passport, spent the winter playing for Wellington as an overseas player.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be extending my stay here at Sussex and I'm very grateful for the faith that the club are showing in me," said Cachopa.

"Sussex is a great club, and one that I know will bounce back strongly. I feel very settled and happy in Brighton and I'm excited to be a part of this young team moving forward."

Sussex's head coach Mark Davis said: "To have Craig extend his contract at Sussex confirms our belief in his ability. Craig is an extremely talented, versatile young player with a bright future. I believe we will see great things from this young player in the years to come."