SUSSEX want Chris Adams and Michael Bevan to spearhead their push for honours for the next THREE years.

Skipper Adams, currently contracted until 2,000, will be offered at least a one-year extension.

And Sussex want to double vice-captain Bevan's stay with the county from two years to four.

The Argus revealed exclusively Sussex's plan to commit their two biggest stars to longer deals, together with the offer of three-year contracts to James Kirtley, Jason Lewry and Robin Martin-Jenkins.

The county's bold long-term strategy means that Adams, Bevan, Kirtley, Lewry and Martin-Jenkins would all be under contract until 2,001.

And Sussex aim to add a sixth name as a nucleus for success into the Millenium by signing a List One player next season on a three-year deal.

The Hove hierarchy doesn't want a repeat of the mass exodus of top players under the old regime.

Director of cricket Dave Gilbert said: "We don't ever want to happen here what happened before, when Sussex were gutted by several departures."

Negotiations with the 'Famous Five' are still at an early stage. But it would be a surprise if most, if not all of them, don't commit themselves to Sussex's bright new future as long as the price is right.

Said Lewry: "It's very flattering that the club has asked me to sign for three years. I love my cricket here. I was born and bred in Sussex and I want to play for Sussex."

The main question occupying the minds of the committee men this Winter will be the type of List One player to go for.

Sussex lack a top-quality spinner, but the batting would be weakened next Summer if Adams and Bevan are selected for World Cup duty with England and Australia.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.