Harris forced to abandon Sussex contract

Sussex have confirmed Ryan Harris has terminated his contract with the club with immediate effect. The county was forced to withdraw Harris from their Championship opener against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl on Wednesday after he signed a three-year deal with Queensland.

Harris, who grew up in and appeared for South Australia, was originally picked up as a Kolpak player and joined on the basis he held a British passport and met current ECB regulations. However, the conditions also stipulate players cannot perform in another country as a local.

"This has been a very difficult decision for Ryan but the only decision he could make after it was announced on Wednesday that he had signed a three-year contract with Queensland to play as a local player and not as an overseas player," Gus Mackay, Sussex's chief executive, said.

"This is extremely disappointing for the club given that Ryan is an exciting cricketer who we were looking forward to being part of our title defence." Harris played in the season's traditional curtain raiser - Sussex, the County Champions, against MCC - and bowled swiftly at Lord's last week, picking up 4 for 36.