After not being able to secure an IPL contract during the auction in February, Ishant Sharma signed up with Sussex as an overseas player for the 2018 County Championship.
The tall seamer would have been keen to use this stint as preparation for India’s tour of England – set to commence on July 3. With the tour kickstarting with the limited overs series, Ishant would have to only join the Indian side prior to the Test series, which begins on August 1.
He featured in his first County game for his side against Warwickshire in the season opener at Birmingham on Friday (April 13). Ishant secured a five-wicket haul in the match, on a wicket offering plenty for the bowlers. Ishant hit his lengths, swung and seamed the ball with ease and finished with figures of 3/53 and 2/16 in the rain affected game.
Five wickets for @ImIshant on his @CountyChamp debut! ?
Highlights from day four of our season opener vs. Warwickshire are available now. #gosbts
➡️https://t.co/dS7WoXhAyj pic.twitter.com/r3gx944P8C
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 17, 2018
With Day 1 of the game washed out, Warwickshire were bowled out for 299 runs in the first innings after Sussex elected to field. In reply, Sussex posted a massive 374 runs, courtesy of a brilliant century by David Wiese coming in at #9. Ishant also scored a handy 22 off 29 balls, which included three boundaries and one six. Warwickshire added 87 with the loss of three wickets before the close of play on the final day, resulting in a draw.
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