Thursday 15 February 2018 14:33, UK
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma will join Sussex for the first two months of the 2018 domestic season.
Sharma, 29, will be available for the Sharks' first five County Championship fixtures and eight One-Day Cup group matches, before the deal expires on June 4.
The highly-experienced seamer has taken 234 wickets in 81 Tests for India, but this will be his first spell in county cricket.
It comes after Sussex bowlers Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer were both signed to deals with Indian Premier League (IPL) sides, which begins on April 7, live on Sky Sports Cricket.
"It's a great honour to represent Sussex CCC, the oldest first-class county, and I am looking forward with excitement to my maiden stint in county cricket," Sharma said.
"I would like to extend a special thanks to Sussex for taking note of my ongoing performances and deeming me suitable for this opportunity.
"I hope to add value during my time as part of the Sussex family this season."
Sussex's director of cricket, Keith Greenfield, said: "Securing Ishant's services has been very important for us.
"Once Jofra [Archer] and CJ [Chris Jordan] were picked up in the IPL draft, it became crucial to sign an experienced international-quality seam bowler who could provide valuable support and know-how to the rest of the seamers.
"Ishant has the attributes to be very successful in early season English conditions and a great role model. He fits the bill perfectly and we look forward to welcoming him to Sussex."
