Hamilton-Brown allowed to talk to Surrey

Sussex have granted permission for Rory Hamilton-Brown, the 22-year-old allrounder, to talk to Surrey about a move to the Oval that will see Hamilton-Brown take over as captain.

Hamilton-Brown has played just eight first-class games and is currently with England's performance squad in Pretoria as a level B player, meaning the selectors view him as being one to three years away from international level.

Sussex, who signed Hamilton-Brown from Surrey in 2008, did not welcome the approach initially, saying they had no intention of losing Hamilton-Brown and had already offered him an improved contract before Surrey's approach.

On Wednesday, Jim May, the Sussex chairman, reiterated the club's position but admitted they would have to allow Hamilton-Brown to speak to Surrey.

"The position of Sussex remains unchanged in that we have no wish to see a player of Rory's potential leave the Club and our immediate aim is to agree an extended contract with him," he said. "However, we recognise that to achieve this aim it is appropriate to give Rory time to talk to Surrey about their opportunity.

"At this stage, the Club has granted permission to talk only. We remain strongly of the view that Rory's cricket development is best served by remaining at Sussex and we will be meeting him subsequent to his meetings with Surrey to discuss matters further."