Sussex have signed the former Zimbabwean Test player Murray Goodwin for the 2001 season.

Zimbabwean-born Goodwin has played most of his cricket in Australia since moving there as a 13-year-old. He averaged over 60 in five Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia last winter, and made Test hundreds against both the West Indies and England this year before retiring from international cricket and returning to Perth.

Goodwin bats right-handed, and can bowl right-arm medium or leg breaks. Sussex chief executive David Gilbert said: "Since Michael Bevan told us he would be unavailable next year the search has been on in earnest to find his replacement.

"It was well known that Murray was keen to play county cricket and his retirement from Tests made him an even more valuable player.

"His excellent performances in the Test and One Day series this summer emphasise what a terrific signing he is for us."

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