Sussex have hired Indian fast-bowler Ishant Sharma for the first two months of the new season.

He will be available for their first five Specsavers County Championship fixtures and all eight Royal London One-Day Cup group matches.

Sussex have brought in the 29-year-old from Delhi after seeing Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer picked up in the IPL draft.

Sharma made his international debut in 2007 and has since played 81 tests, 80 one-day internationals (ODIs) and 14 T20 internationals (T20Is) for India. He also has 115 ODI and eight T20I wickets to his name.

Sharma said: “It’s a great honour to represent Sussex CCC, the oldest first-class county, and I am looking forward with excitement to my maiden stint in county cricket.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to Sussex for taking note of my ongoing performances and deeming me suitable for this opportunity.

“I hope to add value during my time as part of the Sussex family this season.”

Sussex director of cricket Keith Greenfield believes the right-armer fits the bill at Hove.

He said: “Securing Ishant’s services has been very important for us.

“Once Jofra and CJ were picked up in the IPL draft, it became crucial to sign an experienced international-quality seam bowler who could provide valuable support and know-how to the rest of the seamers.

“Ishant has the attributes to be very successful in early season English conditions and a great role model. He fits the bill perfectly and we look forward to welcoming him to Sussex Cricket.”

Sharma’s stint with Sussex will be his first in county cricket although he has experience of bowling in England having toured with India in 2011 and 2014 and played in the 2009 ICC World T20 and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

India are on tour in England in the second half of the summer.