Hatchett Earns Three-Year Contract With Sussex

Left-arm seamer Lewis Hatchett has signed a three-year professional contract with Sussex County Cricket Club.

Born in nearby Shoreham-by-Sea, Hatchett, 20, made his LV=County Championship debut against Middlesex at Uxbridge in July, and the youngster was unfazed at bowling at batsmen such as Andrew Strauss and Eoin Morgan. He then starred in the win against Leicestershire by taking 5 for 47 in the first innings.

Sussex Coach, Mark Davis, said “He’s an exciting prospect, a left-armer who swings the ball and he’s destined for a long and successful career. It is very exciting for the club to have one of the local boys signed up for the next three years, as opposed to signing a player from outside of the county. Full marks to Lewis for the way he has persisted with his career and the dedication and fight he has shown to make himself a better player. It really is testament to his character.”

Hatchett said of his Sussex career so far, “I've worked really hard over the last few years, and I knew that in the past two winters when I've been over to Australia to work on my game, it was now or never for me. To go from being nowhere near the side last season, to making my first-class debut and signing a contract has been amazing. Now I'm determined to work hard to secure myself a regular place in the side."