Stiaan van Zyl to return to South Africa

Sussex overseas player Stiaan van Zyl will return to South Africa this week and therefore will not feature in the club’s remaining LV= Insurance County Championship fixtures this season.

The intention in these matches is to continue providing first-team experience for Sussex’s emerging young players. With the possibility of Stiaan not featuring as a result, he and the club have agreed that it makes sense for him to return home to prepare for the South African domestic season.

Before departing, the 33-year-old had this message: “As my time comes to an end at Sussex, I want to thank everyone at the club and all supporters for the last five years.

“I'm extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity given to me to represent Sussex. I made some great friends and memories over the years.

“Unfortunately, my time at Sussex didn't end as I would've liked competing for a trophy, but I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season and the future.”

Reflecting on Stiaan’s contribution to the club, Sussex Cricket’s Performance Director, Keith Greenfield said: “Stiaan has not had the season he and we had hoped for, and the COVID-19 pandemic and his knee injury has made the last couple of years very tricky.

“Despite that, he has always given his best and is a top man who has been great to have around over the last five years. We wish him well for his future back in South Africa”.

Stiaan has averaged just short of 40 in 40 first-class appearances for Sussex, scoring 2,613 runs including six centuries and eleven fifties. He also played 12 one-day matches and nine T20 games for Sussex Sharks.

Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to thank Stiaan for his contribution over the past five summers and his excellent company. We wish him all the very best for the next chapter of his career.