Sussex sign experienced wicketkeeper John Simpson from Middlesex

Sussex County Cricket Club has made a major signing by securing the services of experienced wicketkeeper John Simpson from Middlesex on a three-year contract. The 35-year-old, who has been capped three times for England in one-day internationals, terminated his contract with Middlesex to join Sussex.

Expressing his excitement about joining Sussex, Simpson said, “I am excited to be joining Sussex at such an exciting time for the club. After 16 happy seasons with Middlesex, it was time for a fresh challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace also expressed his delight about the signing, stating, “John will be a central point of our progression, bringing huge experience, calmness, and a high level of skill and leadership.”

Simpson, a left-handed batter, has made 866 dismissals with the gloves across all formats since his debut in 2009. This is the third-highest total in Middlesex’s history, trailing only former England Test players JT Murray and Fred Price. He has also scored over 13,000 runs in all three formats of the game.

Simpson’s move to Sussex comes at a crucial time for the club, as they have been searching for a top-class wicketkeeper since Ben Brown’s departure to Hampshire two years ago. While promising young keeper Ollie Carter showed improvement last season, Simpson’s signing will provide the much-needed experience and skill in the wicketkeeping position.

BBC Radio Sussex analyst Adrian Harms believes that Simpson’s arrival is a statement signing for Sussex, as it addresses a significant void in the team. Harms states, “This signing represents a significant step in Sussex building a side capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge next season.”

With Simpson as their first winter signing, Sussex aims to strengthen their squad and make a strong push for promotion in the upcoming season.