Mark Davis has revealed the role played by his skipper in Sussex’s eye-catching new signing.

The county boss admits he is “thrilled” to bring in New Zealand international batsman Ross Taylor for almost four months of the 2016 campaign.

Taylor has given up a potential chance to play IPL in a bid to make an impression in the county game.

He will play in four-day, one-day and T20 formats and will be on board for the Championship opener away to Northants in April as Sussex look to bounce back from relegation.

Davis expects Taylor to go out at No.4 and sees him playing a leadership role among the Hove batsmen.

And he told how a chat with Luke Wright helped persuade the former Black Caps skipper that Hove would be a great destination before he goes off to play a Test series against South Africa at the end of July.

Davis told the Argus: “I think Ross is exactly what we need and a fantastic cricketer.

“He has given up the possible chance of IPL because he is really keen to come and play county cricket.

“The great thing for us is Luke knows a lot of international players and talks to them about Sussex.

“In this case I think Ross actually got hold of Luke when he knew there was the chance of coming here and asked him for a word to the wise.

“I’d think he would bat at four across all formats although obviously that is up for discussion.

“He basically bats where he wants to bat.

“Four is where he has played a lot of cricket in all three formats.”

Taylor has played 298 international matches for his country in total, in all formats, and Davis sees his knowhow rubbing off on colleagues.

He added: “It’s great to have another player who gives us stability and a lot of experience.

“I’d hope he can be a mentor for the batting unit.”

Davis said the county’s drop into the second tier of four-day county cricket did not make the signing any tougher to pull off.

He said: “Traditionally we are a great club. We have really good people around the club.

“We were relegated, which is not ideal.

“But everyone knows the reputation of the club and he is a really good fit.

“He has got two young kids and Hove is a fantastic place to live with your family, as I know so well.

“We have always been a family-orientated club and I am sure we will look after them.

“In this day and age his availability for us is outstanding for a player of his ilk and I think we have done particularly well.

“Full marks to (chief executive) Zac Toumazi and the club.”

Taylor is currently in Hamilton, playing in the second Test of a series against India.

Davis hinted that more news on squad strengthening might not be too far away.

A second overseas player for the T20 campaign is among top targets.