Sussex Sharks snap up Aussie bowler for 2012 campaign

The Australian right arm fast-medium bowler and decent low-order batsman is due to arrive in time for the Sharks’ second game of the campaign after he qualified for a work permit due to his marriage with a British woman.

The 32-year-old has played in England before with Leicestershire and Worcestershire and is nearing 250 first-class wickets during his career at an average of 26.62.

The deal comes after Sussex’s original overseas target, New Zealander Tim Southee, became unavailable. The swing bowler signed with the club before medical reasons forced him to pull out.

Sussex team manager Mark Robinson said, “We were very lucky in that we found out Steve was available around the same time as we heard Tim had to pull out. We had to move very quickly to seal the deal.”

The club’s captain Michael Yardy was also very happy with the new addition. He said, “Steve’s record speaks for itself and he’s the right type of guy to have in the dressing room. We’re delighted to have him here.”