Jason Lewry has been offered a new contract by Sussex to play Championship matches only.

The 37-year-old, who was leading wicket-taker this season with 41, is considering the financial aspects of the one-year deal which would involve him taking an “appreciable” drop in salary.

Lewry is one of ten players out of contract and would also have to commit to a rigourous winter training programme at the County Ground.

He said: “It would mean I would just play Championship matches.

“I have only played seven games since 2004 so I have effectively retired from one-day cricket anyway but I have to take an appreciable pay cut although I would obviously play fewer games.

“I want to play on and prolong my career. I certainly wouldn’t go anywhere else – I’m Sussex through and through.

“I’ve just got to thrash one or two things out. I’m not being greedy – I just want to support my family.”

A possible stumbling block could be Sussex’s insistence that he does regular fitness sessions at Hove.

Lewry is planning to spend most of the winter extending his house near Arundel.

He added: “(Coach) Mark Robinson wants to monitor me at the ground two or three times a week but I would prefer to do my fitness work in my own neighbourhood, I know what I need to do.”

Robinson said: “Obviously Jason has to show that desire that he is fit enough for the rigours of the Championship. We will sit down and do what’s best for him and the club.”

Lewry added: “I’m not ready to retire and it’s more than likely I will be at the club next year.”

Meanwhile, new captain Mike Yardy is preparing to make his debut Down Under tomorrow.

A week after helping Sussex secure their place in the first division, the 28-year-old lines up for Perth Demons in the Western Australia first grade competition against Midland-Guildford.

Yardy arrived in Perth on Monday and his new club are delighted to have him on board.

Demons’ captain Stewart Walters said: “Securing Michael is going to shore up our top order and add some extra variety to the bowling attack.

“He is a class player and I am looking to him to pass on some of his experience to our younger players.”

Yardy is one of eight Sussex players heading overseas to play this winter.

Chris Nash (Richmond CC, Melbourne), Rory Hamilton-Brown (Scarborough CC, Perth), Michael Thornely (Subiaco Florent CC, Perth), Ben Brown (Newtown CC, Tasmania) and Will Beer (Lindesfarne CC, Tasmania) are all heading to Australia.

Ragheb Aga (Cornwall CC, Auckland) and Tom Smith (North Shore CC, Auckland) are going to New Zealand while Chris Liddle is joining a club in Durban, South Africa.

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