Jerome jets in to give Sharks that extra bit of bite

SUSSEX are hopeful the toplevel experience of Jerome Taylor will bolster their white-ball endeavours this season.

The 32-year-old paceman, who was the West Indies’ leading wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup, was signed on the eve of this summer’s One-Day Cup to replace Vernon Philander, who has returned to South Africa for rehabilitation on a groin injury.

Taylor came out of international retirement earlier this month, handing him the chance to add to his 130 Test wickets.

And Sussex director of cricket Keith Greenfield was delighted to have secured the West Indies ace’s signature.

“We’ve worked really hard to secure a replacement since it became clear that Vernon would no longer be available for the One-Day Cup and we’re delighted that we have agreed terms with Jerome,” said Greenfield, whose Sharks side finished bottom of the South Group last season.

“Jerome is a vastly experienced international white-ball bowler and he will be a great asset to Mark Davis and our squad.”

Sussex, who opened their 2017 One-Day Cup campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s on Thursday, play their first home fixture in the competition against Somerset on Sunday.

Somerset are due to play their first white-ball match of the campaign against Surrey at Taunton today.