VERDICT

It’s been a disappointing season for Sussex who failed to qualify for the knockout stages of either one-day competition and will be in Division Two for a third season in 2018.

But the emergence of Jofra Archer has been a huge bonus and his consistent performances were recognised by Sussex this week when he was awarded his county cap.

He is the first Sussex player since Vasbert Drakes in 1996 to do the modern ‘double’ and after making 72 against Nottinghamshire now has more than 600 runs to go with his 60 wickets, as well as a nomination for the PCA’s Young Player of the Year.

“Getting my county cap means a lot,” he said. “It shows that I have done something very well for the club and it’s a great feeling to be rewarded by the club.

“It’s a season that’s gone better than I could have expected. It’s been hard work at times because I played in every game except last week against Durham, but I have really enjoyed it and when I come back next year hopefully I can do even better – that’s the aim anyway.”

Archer is heading overseas to play in T20 tournaments in Bangladesh and New Zealand and insists his long-term ambition is to play for England, although it will be another five years before he completes his seven-year qualification period.