Sussex sign Mohammed Akram and Luke Wright

Sussex have announced the signing of two new players, Mohammad Akram and Luke Wright. Both have agreed two-year deals with the county.

Akram, the former Pakistan fast bowler who has previously played for Northamptonshire and Essex, is no longer classed as an overseas player as he has recently completed a two-year residency qualification. "I could have stayed with Essex, and Durham were also interested," he said, "but once I spoke to Peter Moores [Sussex's director of cricket] I knew Sussex was the county for me. I'm fit and ready for the challenge."

Akram, who's now 29, played nine Tests for Pakistan between 1995-96 and 2000-01, taking 17 wickets at 50.52.

Luke Wright, 18, left Leicestershire at the end of last season. He has made a mark at Hove already: in an Under-19 one-day international against South Africa last summer, he took a hat-trick with his gentle medium-pacers.

"I'm delighted with both signings, said Moores. "The aim has always been to strengthen the squad which will try to defend the title and with these signings we have definitely done that.

"Mo is coming into his prime as a fast bowler and he will give our attack a real spearhead. Luke still has a lot to work on in his game but he has genuine talent and the appetite to improve and work hard."