Sussex's new signing Ian Ward believes the county's director of cricket Peter Moores can help him rekindle his England career.

The 30-year-old opener, who has signed a four year contract with the county champions, is desperate to add to his five Test caps, the last of which he won two years ago.

The pair worked together three years ago on an England A tour of West Indies when Moores coached the squad.

"One of the best periods of my career was on that tour when I formed a very fruitful relationship with Mooresy," said Ward.

"I liked the way he did things and he helped my game a lot. You have got to give him a lot of credit for Sussex's success. The opportunity to work with him and (captain) Chris Adams were a huge draw card in my decision to join the county."

Ward chose Sussex ahead of Somerset, where he was also offered the captaincy, because he feels it offers him the best chance of an England recall.

He added: "Somerset were very keen to have me as captain and it would have been a huge challenge down there, but I have no desire to captain a side and in any case Sussex have a fantastic leader already in Chris.

"I'm desperate to play for England again. Sussex is a very vibrant club and I'm hoping some of that rubs off on me. I still think I've got some good years ahead of me at a club whose profile is rising all the time."

Ward is a proven winner, having helped Surrey to three Championships and four one-day titles before he left the Oval after nine years and he is confident he can win more silverware with his new county.

"Sussex went about their job so professionally. To win the title with 18 players is a great achievement and no one will be surprised if we win it again next season," he added.

"But I know from experience how difficult that can be. The year after Surrey won it for the first time they nearly went down and Yorkshire went from champions to relegation in successive years.

"Sussex will be one of the biggest games next season for all the other counties, but it's not all about the Championship.

"When you're going for the title it's all you think about, one-day form tends to go out of the window and I know that is an area where we are looking to improve as well next season."

Guildford-based Ward, who spends the winter anchoring cricket coverage on Sky Sports, will be 34 when his contract expires. "I would expect this to be my last contract," he said.