JASON GILLESPIE said he is committed to improvement after Sussex ended their season with a defeat.

The county went down by six wickets in two days at Northamptonshire after two batting flops.

They finish third in division two of the Specsavers County Championship having lost their last three away fixtures.

Head coach Gillespie said: “Thanks to all our players for all their efforts this year. We know there are improvements to be had and we’re committed to that.”

Ollie Robinson took his tally of Championship wickets this year to 74, the most in a season by a Sussex seamer since James Kirtley took 75 in the 2001 division two title triumph. Star spinner Mushtaq Ahmed took 90 in 2007 from fewer matches but in the higher division.

Gillespie told The Argus: “Ollie kept himself in really good shape and worked hard to maintain that throughout the summer.

“You have got to keep yourself fit and strong to bowl cricket balls.

“The county season is pretty brutal on fast bowlers and he has been absolutely brilliant. He bowls his overs, he doesn’t shy away from hard work we have seen him bowl long spells.”

Sussex face the Duke of Richmond XI at Priory Park, Chichester on Saturday (1.30pm). The match helps celebrate the centenary of the 7th Duke of Richmond’s gift of Priory Park to the people of Chichester. Admission is free.

Georgia Adams, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Luke Wright and Danni Wyatt will all guest for the Duke’s XI while the Sussex XI will be made up of the remaining men’s squad.