John Simpson: Sussex sign Middlesex wicketkeeper on three-year deal

Sussex have signed experienced wicketkeeper John Simpson from Middlesex on a three-year contract.

The 35-year-old three-times capped England one-day international mutually agreed with Middlesex to end his contract at Lord's to move to Hove.

"I am excited to be joining Sussex at such an exciting time for the club," said Simpson.

"After 16 happy seasons with Middlesex it was time for a fresh challenge, and I can't wait to get started."

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace added: "John will be a central point of our progression, bringing huge experience, calmness and a high level of skill and leadership."

Since making his debut in 2009, the Lancashire-born left-handed batter has made 866 dismissals with the gloves across all formats, the third highest total in Middlesex's history - behind only former England Test players JT Murray and Fred Price.

Simpson, whose contract with Middlesex had been due to run until the end of next summer, also made over 13,000 runs in all three formats.

He becomes Sussex's first winter signing, following the collapse of a plan to bring in Leicestershire paceman Chris Wright.

Analysis - Adrian Harms, BBC Radio Sussex

Paul Farbrace made it abundantly clear at the end of the season that he wanted to add experience to the Sussex squad - and this is a statement signing.

John Simpson brings not just a wealth of experience in all formats but, more importantly, Sussex have lacked a genuine top class wicketkeeper since the departure of Ben Brown to Hampshire two years ago, and Simpson will fill that void.

Promising young keeper Ollie Carter improved considerably last season and his time will come again but, for now, this signing represents a significant step in Sussex building a side capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge next season.