Overseas batsman Murray Goodwin could be used as a stop-gap opener when he joins Sussex this summer.

Chief Executive Dave Gilbert says utilising the Zimbabwean Test star at the top of the order is 'a definite option' after the 28-year-old set a new Australian one-day record opening the batting for his state side.

Goodwin, who is replacing Michael Bevan as Sussex's overseas pro, scored 167 for West Australia Warriors against New South Wales at the weekend, beating the previous Australian domestic record of 164 set by Rick McCosker 20 years ago.

The departures of both Wasim Khan and Toby Peirce at the end of last season have left Sussex without an recognised opening partner for Richard Montgomerie.

Will House, Michael Yardy, Dominic Clapp, Jamie Carpenter and Bas Zuiderent - all of whom are out of contract at the end of the season - will be fighting for the opener's spot.

But Gilbert believes Goodwin may be the answer - at least at the start of the season.

He said: "If you asked me here and now who our opening batsmen would be this season I couldn't tell you, there are five or six candidates. Murray is used to coming in at three or four, but looking at that innings at the weekend it's obvious he would have no problem opening, I'm sure he could slot nicely."

Montgomerie had three opening partners last season, but Sussex produced just one century stand for the first wicket which was in sharp contrast to 1999 when Montgomerie and Peirce figures in five century stands.

Yardy played three games at the end of the season and Gilbert is delighted with the improvements the Hastings-born 20-year-old has made to his fitness during the winter after losing two stone.

"I'm thrilled with the attitude he's shown," he added.