Rory gets help from Langer

7:02pm Sunday 30th September 2007

Rory Hamilton-Brown is hoping a winter in Australia can help him become a Sussex regular.

The 20-year-old arrived in Perth today to work at the academy run by Hampshire coach Paul Terry.

He will also play grade cricket for Scarborough CC - thanks to former Australian opener Justin Langer.

Hamilton-Brown, who has signed a two-year contract, revealed: "They are Justin's club and he helped set it up for me.

"I am going there for five months and at the academy I'm going to work with a very respected batting coach there called Noddy' Holder, who worked with the England Academy boys last winter."

Hamilton-Brown was introduced to Sussex supporters at Saturday's awards dinner, when Mushtaq Ahmed won player of the year and the fans' award presented by the Argus.

Surrey agreed to release him last week with a year left on his contract because of a lack of first-team opportunities.

"I just didn't feel it was the right environment to get my game going forward," added Hamilton-Brown.

"Several other counties were interested but the next few years of my career are pivotal and I definitely think the best chance for me to improve and fulfill my ambition to play for England is here at Sussex."

Hamilton-Brown made five one-day appearances for Surrey this season but did not get into their Championship side.

He describes himself as an aggressive batsman capable of playing in the top five and is hoping to bowl more off-spin at his new county.

He added: "I want to play in the side but the main thing is to make sure that my cricket is developing next season at Sussex."

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