Top man Ollie Robinson plans to come back better than ever for Sussex after close-season surgery.

The 67-wicket fast bowler was named Sussex’s County Championship player of the year as their promotion hopes ended yesterday.

But he could come back in even better shape after keyhole surgery on his hip next month.

Sussex will look to make it second time successful under head coach Jason Gillespie after Warwickshire took the remaining promotion spot by playing out a dull draw at Hove.

Robinson said: “We have come on in leaps and bounds. We have had a lot of players make debuts, get a first hundred, get a first five-for.

“It was an almost year. Fingers crossed next year will be the year for us.”

Robinson, who has bowled 452 Championship overs this year, revealed he has played in discomfort in recent weeks.

He added: “It’s something I’ve had for a while. I’ve got a bulge in the hip and hopefully the op will make life a little bit easier.

“Because I’ve bowled more overs this year, it has been more noticeable. The specialist has said once it is done my hip should be much better and it should make my running in smoother.”