Sussex snap up Jaydev Unadkat for three county championship games

Sussex County Cricket Club (CCC) have confirmed that they have acquired the services of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat for three county championship matches in September. Unadkat, who featured in each of India’s recent two Tests against West Indies, will make his debut for the side against Durham on September 3rd at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. 

The left-arm pacer will join hands with his Saurashtra and India teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who this season has scored 545 runs in Division 2 @ 68.12.

“I am excited to join Sussex for their Championship games in September,” Unadkat said.

“I have been following the team’s recent run of success and I had a nice conversation with Paul and it looks like I can definitely add value and contribute towards the team’s goals.

“The English County Championship has a wonderful legacy, and I was keen to grab the opportunity whenever I can and it seems to be the right time for me at this point in my career.

“I hope to add to the laurels that my dear friend & team-mate, Cheteshwar has been adding aplenty while representing Sussex for the last couple of seasons, and more importantly helping the team win games. 

“I am looking forward to joining everyone at Sussex.”

A delighted Paul Fabrace, head coach of Sussex CCC, welcomed the latest signing and hoped for Unadkat to leave a lasting impression.

“We are delighted that Jaydev will join us for the September championship period, he is a quality bowler and a great guy to have join our squad at an exciting time of the season.

“His record is outstanding, and we will be looking for Jaydev to share his experience with our developing team.

“Everyone at Hove is looking forward to Jaydev being part of this Championship run in and help the team to take wickets and win games of cricket.”

Unadkat has been in red-hot form with the ball in red-ball cricket since the start of 2020, having taken 101 wickets at a staggering average of 16.7. The speedster, interestingly, has played 2 first-class matches in England and has taken 16 wickets at an average of 12.7.

As things stand, Sussex are placed fourth in Division 2 behind Glamorgan, Worcestershire and Durham. They are unbeaten but remarkably have drawn 9 of their 10 matches.