Joyce extends Sussex deal

Ed Joyce has signed a three-year extension to his Sussex contract, and will remain at the club until the end of the 2012 season.

Joyce had a successful first season at Hove following his move from Middlesex, scoring 945 first-class runs, including three hundreds, at an average of 41.08. However, his real success was in List A cricket, where he scored 941 runs at an average of 58.81 including another three hundreds.

His input was pivotal in Sussex winning the Twenty20 Cup and NatWest Pro40, as well as reaching a Lord's final in the Friends Provident Trophy. His success was realised by England in being selected for the 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy played earlier this year.

"I've really enjoyed my first year at the club and have settled in to the team and life on the south coast really well," said Joyce. "The team had great success this year in the one-day arena. When I was offered a contract extension, I jumped at the chance and am very much looking forward to the next few years at Sussex."

Mike Yardy, Sussex's captain, said: "Ed had a magnificent first season at the club and performed particularly well in the one-day form of the game. He is a great asset to the club and will play a vital role in getting Sussex back in the first division."