James Kirtley has signed a four-year deal which will see him stay with Sussex until 2006. James took over 50 first-class wickets for the fourth successive year this season despite missing several games due to injury and England commitments.

James commented on his new contract: "I definitely think Sussex cricket is heading in the right direction which is why I am prepared to commit myself to the county for the next four years.

"Our squad is improving all the time and there's no reason why we should not challenge regularly for honours. Signing Mushtaq Ahmed gives an attack capable of competing with any opponent on any surface and the strength in depth of our squad has steadily got better."

More congratulations are also due to James who is signing a more permanent contract this Saturday. He and fiancée, Jenny, are getting married near Guildford and then jetting off to a secret location for honeymoon!

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