Delray Rawlins, Abi Sakande and Stuart Whittingham have been handed contract extensions by Sussex until at least the end of the 2019 season.

The trio are all graduates of Sussex's Academy.

Rawlins made his first-team debut this year after a successful winter with England Under-19s in India.

The Bermuda-born 20-year-old played in three Championship matches, as well as the one-day and first class matches against South Africa and South Africa A, making 96 in the latter.

Sakande also impressed against South Africa A, taking a maiden first-class five-wicket haul, including the wicket of Proteas test batsman Tavemba Bavuma.

That performance earned the 22-year-old Oxford University graduate a Championship debut in the day-night match against Gloucestershire in late June and a second appearance during Sussex’s 231-run win over Leicestershire in July.

Whittingham is making his fourth Specsavers County Championship appearance of the season this week at Durham. The 23-year-old took his first Championship five-wicket haul during Sussex’s fixture against Derbyshire at Hove last week.

Rawlins said: "To get the security of having more time here is something that excites me. I can get my head down and try to push to get in the first team.”

Sakande is pleased his efforts have been recognised by the county.

He said: “I’m glad to be part of Sussex’s future plans and happy that the hard work I’ve put in this season has paid off.”

Whittingham is glad to have sorted out his future for the next two years.

He said: “This is where I want to play my cricket in the future. To have the security of knowing that this is where I am going to be over the next two years is great.”

Sussex’s director of cricket Keith Greenfield added: “We’re very excited by Abi, Delray and Stuart’s continued development and their potential future impact on the future of Sussex cricket.

“Congratulations to all three. We look forward to accompanying them on the next step of their cricketing journeys."