Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie will continue in his role as head coach at Sussex until at least the end of 2022, after agreeing to a contract extension with the team.

“I’m absolutely delighted to extend my time at Sussex,” Gillespie said. “I absolutely love the place, and everyone at the club has been fantastic since I joined.

“I really feel we’re moving in the right direction, which is really pleasing. I can’t fault the efforts of all our players and coaches. We’re all on the same page; everyone wants what’s best for the club, and I feel we’re progressing in reaching those aims.”

Gillespie was roped in by Sussex in November 2017, and officially took over the role at the start of the 2018 season. The 44-year-old was initially appointed for a three-year contract, but the new extension will see him at the helm until the end of the 2022 season.

? @dizzy259: “We’ve had some good times together, and we’ve had some tough times, but we’re all clear about what we want to achieve.

“We’re focussed on improving and developing to keep moving forward. That’s a special thing to be a part of.” ? #WednesdayWisdom pic.twitter.com/kGLJ9eMzz8

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) October 9, 2019

As head coach at Yorkshire, he enjoyed twin title wins in 2014 and 2015, but is yet to oversee Sussex’s promotion to Division One – the side has finished third and sixth in the last two years in Division Two.

“We’ve had some really good times together, and we’ve had some challenging times,” Gillespie, who also coaches Big Bash League team Adelaide Strikers, said.

“I’m absolutely delighted to extend my time at Sussex. I absolutely love the place and everyone at the club has been fantastic since I joined." ?@Dizzy259 looks ahead after extending his contract with the club: https://t.co/6gCwaVs3Ca

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) October 9, 2019

Sussex have been far more successful in the T20I Blast, reaching the final in 2018, where they lost to first-time champions Worcestershire, and making it to the quarter finals this year.

“We’re all clear about what we’re setting out to achieve, and focussed on improving and developing,” Gillespie said.

“I want to thank the club for the opportunity to carry on and for showing faith in me. I’m determined to repay that faith by keeping things moving in the right direction and, hopefully, having some success down the track.”