Sussex all-rounder Ashar Zaidi insists he is feeling fitter than ever thanks to ditching his daily helping of curry.

Zaidi is following a strict diet and gruelling training regime to ensure he is in peak condition for the start of his first full season at Hove.

The 32-year-old admits he was out of shape when Sussex plucked him from club cricket and offered him a route back into the first class game last September.

Zaidi impressed enough in two County Championship games at the end of last season to be offered a two-year deal at Hove but was told he needed to lose weight during the winter.

The former Pakistan A international is reaping the benefits of what is his first pre-season since moving to England in 2009 but admits some of the sacrifices he has had to make have been tough.

Zaidi said: “Cricketing wise Sussex didn’t have any issues with me, it was just about being fit enough for the whole season.

“I was in no shape at all when I first came to Sussex and fitness-wise I was way behind the other guys so I had a lot of catching up to do.

“I’ve been given a diet and fitness programme to follow by Nick (Lee, strength and conditioning coach) and Paul (Khoury, physio) which has been really helpful, although it is pushing me to the limit.

“Some of it was a bit of a shock at first. It is a big difference for me as I used to eat curries and other Asian foods on a daily basis but I’m not allowed to now.

“It’s been a huge change but it is something I needed to do and I’m happy with the progress I’ve made. I’m feeling as fit as I was when I was playing first class cricket back in Pakistan. I think at the start of the season people will see the difference.”

Read the full interview with Ashar Zaidi in The Argus today