Tom Alsop makes move to Sussex permanent

Alsop made 146 appearances for Hampshire, scoring over 4,500 runs, before joining Sussex on loan ahead of the 2022 season

Tom Alsop has made his switch from Hampshire to Sussex permanent, signing a contract that will keep him at Hove until at least 2025.

The 26-year-old initially joined Sussex on a season-long loan in March 2022.

His two-year deal will become active following the conclusion of his loan contract on November 1, 2022.

Since arriving at Sussex, Alsop has been ever present in the LV= Insurance County Championship, scoring 313 runs – including a knock of 113 against Middlesex and two half-centuries – at 31.30 in six appearances.

He has continued this good form in the T20 Blast, scoring 103 runs at a strike rate of 198.07. The pick of his performances for the Sharks to date came against Kent when he smashed an unbeaten 65 off just 30 balls at No.5.

^{Tom Alsop celebrates his century against Middlesex [Mike Hewitt/Getty Images]}

Prior to joining Sussex, Alsop made 146 appearances for Hampshire, scoring 4,751 runs and taking 120 catches. He was also a member of the club’s 2018 Royal London Cup-winning squad, scoring 72 in the final against Kent.

Commenting on his decision to join Sussex, Alsop said: "To sign permanently for Sussex is great news. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sussex and I’m glad that I have made a decent start to the season in both formats of the game.

"I’d like to thank Hampshire, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the coaching staff at Sussex for believing in me and to everybody else who has made me feel at home so quickly."

Sussex head coach, Ian Salisbury, praised the experience Alsop brings to his young squad, commenting: "Tom has fitted in brilliantly so far, my aim was to get the best version of Tom Alsop and I believe we are already starting to see that now.

"If you make somebody feel valued and believe in them, then I believe you will see the best version of that person, and the best version of Tom Alsop is a fantastic cricketer.  

"We have a lot of young cricketers in the team and Tom is someone who, in his mid-twenties, gives us some added experience. I am sure Tom will be a huge success in years to come."

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, added: "Tom has made a significant contribution across all formats since his debut in 2014.

"His performances in both 2018 and 2019’s Royal London Cup campaigns were integral to the club reaching back-to-back Lord’s finals and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for everything he contributed to the group during his time with Hampshire. We wish him the best of luck as he begins a new chapter in his career."

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