Ben Brown signs two-year Sussex deal

Sussex's 21-year-old wicketkeeper Ben Brown has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

Brown is a product of the Sussex academy set-up, and signed his first professional contract at the end of the 2007 season. He forced himself further into the first team this season and made his highest first-class score of 112 against Derbyshire in the run-fest at Horsham, where each of the top four Sussex batsmen made first-innings hundreds.

Sussex's captain Michael Yardy was pleased to have secured Brown's services, saying his has plenty to offer the club. "It's great news that Ben has agreed to sign a new contract with the club. He has produced some excellent performances this season and is a very important player in our squad on and off the pitch."

Brown is relishing the prospect of first-team cricket in Division One next season after helping his side to top Division Two this year and seal promotion. "I'm delighted to have been offered a new deal and to sign the contract, as I'm really looking to press on in the first team next season," he said.

"There's obviously no guaranteed selections but I'm looking forward to hopefully playing in Division One, building on what I've learnt and sealing a regular place. I'll be staying here to work hard in the gym over the winter and maybe I'll be able to get some cricket abroad after Christmas to really prepare for the new season."