Sussex has successfully acquired the services of Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat for their opening three County Championship matches. The County matches are scheduled to be held in September. The team, currently competing in Division Two, aims to fortify their prospects of ascending to Division One by enlisting the skills of the adept left-arm pacer.
Having recently featured in the Indian Test squad against the West Indies, Unadkat contributed to the team’s triumph in both encounters. This 31-year-old player marked his return to the Indian Test side during the second match against Bangladesh towards the end of the previous year, a significant milestone after his debut against South Africa in 2010. With 26 wickets to his name, Unadkat has represented India in 22 matches across various formats.
Paul Farbrace, the head coach of Sussex, expressed his contentment regarding Jaydev Unadkat’s inclusion in the squad for the pivotal September championship matches. Farbrace conveyed in a statement, “We are excited to have Jaydev join us for the crucial championship phase in September. He brings both skill and camaraderie to our team during this exciting phase of the season.”
He further added, “Given his impressive track record, we anticipate Jaydev to share his experience with our emerging players. Our entire team at Hove eagerly anticipates Jaydev’s participation, counting on him to make valuable contributions to our pursuit of taking wickets and achieving victories.”
Unadkat boasts an exceptional record in first-class cricket, accumulating 382 wickets from 103 matches at a commendable average of 22.58, encompassing 22 instances of five-wicket hauls and 18 instances of four-wicket hauls. Additionally, he holds the distinction of captaining Saurashtra to their inaugural Ranji Trophy title triumph in the 2019-2020 season.
“I am confident that I can bring value and make meaningful contributions towards the team’s objectives,” stated Jaydev Unadkat.
Jaydev Unadkat expressed his enthusiasm regarding his upcoming stint with Sussex and highlighted the potential value he aims to bring to the team during the three matches he’s set to participate in.
“I’m eagerly looking forward to joining Sussex for the Championship matches scheduled in September. The team’s recent achievements have caught my attention, and after a productive conversation with Paul, it’s clear that I can contribute effectively towards the team’s objectives,” Jaydev Unadkat commented in an official statement.
He also acknowledged the illustrious history of the English County Championship and conveyed his aspiration to follow in the footsteps of his Indian teammate, Cheteshwar Pujara, who has significantly contributed to Sussex over the past two seasons.
Unadkat continued, “My goal is to further enhance the achievements of my close friend and teammate, Cheteshwar, who has made substantial contributions while representing Sussex over the last couple of seasons. Ultimately, it’s about contributing to victories. I’m eagerly anticipating my integration into the Sussex setup.”
Currently positioned fourth on the points table with one victory and nine draws from 10 matches, Sussex is determined to make strides in the final stretch of the season in their bid to secure promotion to Division One next year.
Jaydev Unadkat’s presence will be felt in their upcoming clashes against Durham, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, taking place from September 3 to September 22.
