Ishant Sharma's impressive Sussex stint comes to an end

Ishant Sharma’s impressive stint at Sussex has come to an end, as the fast-bowler turns his attentions to an international summer with India.

After signing for the club in February, Sharma arrived on the south coast at the start of April and made his debut in the pre-season friendly against Surrey.

His Specsavers County Championship debut followed soon after, in the draw with Warwickshire at Edgbaston, where the Indian announced his arrival in English cricket by taking five wickets.   

A week later, Sussex travelled to Leicestershire and Sharma again impressed – this time, with bat and ball, reaching a maiden first-class 50 in brilliant fashion, and then claiming three more wickets.

Rain and injury derailed a stunning start to life at The 1st Central County Ground, but when Sharma returned to action, he carried on his excellent form with seven wickets at Kent and then three more on his Royal London One-Day Cup debut against the same opposition. 

Sharma then played a vital role in the impressive win against Somerset, as the Sharks bounced back from their defeat to Hampshire. The win in Taunton was a brilliant team performance and Sharma starred, taking the final three wickets to wrap up the victory.

The Indian international’s final performance for the Sharks came in the defeat to Glamorgan, as Sharma took two more wickets, and he will now hope his time in Hove will help his summer with India.

The Men in Blue start their 2018 campaign with a one-off test against Afghanistan, with Sharma part of the India squad, before a two-game tour of Ireland and then the highly-anticipated series against England.

We would like to thank Ishant for all his efforts during his time with the club, and wish him good luck for the future.