Luke Wright says he will support Sussex team-mate Rory Hamilton-Brown even if he decides to go to Surrey.

Sussex will decide later this week whether to give Hamilton-Brown, who is still under contract, permission to speak to his former county about taking over as captain at The Oval.

Even if they do, Sussex are confident of persuading him to stay at Hove and hope he will follow the example of Wright who ended speculation about his own future by signing a three-year contract last week.

Wright said: “It’s a tough one and I feel for Rory. I am one of his best mates and I don’t want to be biased and say that staying is the only option.

“There was a lot of talk about me going when my contract ended next year but this is a different scenario because he has been offered the captaincy - it’s a big thing especially as it’s with his home club.

“I have spoken to him a number of times and I know for a fact that he is happy at Sussex but he might see this as an opportunity he cannot pass up.”

Wright believes Hamilton-Brown would be a good captain even though he is only 22 and has played just eight first-class games.

He added: “Rory is a someone who thrives on responsibility. In the times when he has been in that situation for us he has done really well.

“He’s a smart lad. You wouldn’t get offered a county captaincy if he didn’t have a good cricket brain.

“From a selfish point of view I hope he stays because he is a talent and a great player for the future but I will be behind him whatever decision he makes.”