Michael Burgess signs for Warwickshire

Sussex Cricket can confirm that wicketkeeper-batsman Michael Burgess has signed for Warwickshire.

The 24-year-old will spend the rest of the season on loan at the Midlands county, before joining permanently thereafter.

During the loan period, Sussex will have the option to recall Burgess for Specsavers County Championship matches only.

He would not be permitted to play should Sussex Sharks meet Birmingham Bears in the knock-out stages of this year’s Vitality Blast.

Commenting on Burgess’ departure, Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie said: “Michael has shown promise with his batting as well as his wicketkeeping in T20 cricket and it became clear over the course of our conversations that ‘keeping in all three formats is something that really motivates him.

“Obviously, we have a fantastic wicketkeeper in Ben Brown and so Burge’s opportunities to do that here were going to be limited. We offered him a new contract at the end of last season, but with his personal goals in mind Michael turned that down so he could look for other opportunities.

“We totally respect that decision and while we are sad to see Michael go, we want to thank him for all his efforts at Sussex and wish him the very best for the future. We hope he enjoys his time at his new club and fulfils his ambitions.”

Burgess said: “I would like to thank everyone at Sussex for making me so welcome for the last two and a half years. I’m very excited about the future but also sad to be leaving; I will always be proud to have represented such a fantastic club.

“I’d like to wish everyone associated with the Sharks all the best and great success in the future.”

Since making his debut for the club in 2017, Epsom-born Burgess has played 21 first-class, 15 T20 and four List A matches for Sussex.