Stiaan van Zyl extends Kolpak deal with Sussex

Former Proteas batsman Stiaan van Zyl has said he has “enjoyed every second” with Sussex since joining in 2017, making it a no-brainer to extend his stay.

In signing a new contract, the good news continues to flow for the 31-year-old whose unbeaten 101 scored against Durham helped Sussex to a successful run chase in the County Championship.

Van Zyl’s hundred at Emirates Riverside took him past 1,500 first-class runs for Sussex. A feat achieved despite missing much of the 2018 season with a knee injury.

“I am extremely grateful to sign an extension with Sussex,” said van Zyl, who won 12 Test caps for his native South Africa before signing a Kolpak deal.

“Since starting in 2017, I’ve enjoyed every second at the club and with my teammates. I’m looking forward to many more games with this wonderful club.”

Van Zyl averages over 44.00 for Sussex and is called upon occasionally to bowl some of his right-arm medium pace, leading Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie to express his delight at securing his talents.

Gillespie said: “We’re delighted that Stiaan has agreed to continue his career at the club. He’s a senior batsman of international quality who contributes significantly with his performances and he’s a great lad on top of that.

“We like to make sure our players are learning from each other and Stiaan sets a great example in terms of his approach to his preparation as well as how he goes about things out in the middle.”