Pakistan's selectors have told Sussex spinner Mushtaq Ahmed he will have to prove himself all over again if he is to resurrect his international career.

Mushtaq became the first bowler to take 100 wickets in an English season but his phenomenal achievements have made little impression back home.

The 33-year-old, who returns to Lahore on Monday having taken 103 wickets for the new county champions, wants to add to his 50 Test appearances, the last of which he made in 2001.

Before he is considered for a recall, he will have to prove himself in a three-day match against the touring South Africans in Karachi at the end of the month.

Chairman of selectors Aamir Sohail said: "We know Mushtaq is an experienced bowler but we also feel that the quality of cricket in the County Championship is not very high.

"We want to see for ourselves how well he bowls in the practice game against South Africa first.

"He has taken a lot of wickets for Sussex in the County Championship and you can't ignore that but he has been out of international cricket for a long time."

Sussex are expected to confirm next week that Mushtaq has signed a contract which will keep him at Hove until 2005.

Mushtaq was given a special cheer by Sussex fans before skipper Chris Adams collected the Championship trophy following Sussex's innings win over Leicestershire at Hove yesterday.

A good-natured crowd of 1,500 even forgave the ECB's director of cricket operations John Carr's embarrassing gaffe when he saluted "the new champions Surrey" at the presentation ceremony.

Sussex also received a cheque for £105,000. Adams said: "We won the Championship because we wanted it more than our rivals. I'm thrilled to be the captain that has won it for Sussex. Hopefully it will be the first of many."

An emotional Adams then remembered former team-mate Umer Rashid, who died on the club's tour of Grenada in 2002.

He added: "I'm sure Umer is looking down on us and enjoying this moment. He was a great team-mate and friend."

Sussex play their final National League match of the season against Somerset Sabres at Hove on Sunday (noon).