Sussex have beaten off competition from three counties to land Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris for their Championship defence.

Harris, who is the fourth highest wicket-taker in Australian domestic cricket this season, has joined on a two-year contract, subject to his status being ratified by the ECB. Sussex do not anticipate any problems because Harris has a British passport.

The 28-year-old was also wanted by first division rivals Somerset and Nottingham-shire and Essex but Harris told Robinson: "I'm not interested - I want to play for the champions."

Coach Mark Robinson believes late developer Harris, pictured, can be another quality overseas recruit for the county.

Robinson said: "Ever since Albie Morkel turned us down before Christmas Ryan has been on our radar and we have done our homework on him. Our Academy director Keith Greenfield has seen him play in Australia and Murray Goodwin has played against him and rates him. We think he will do well for us."