Murray Goodwin is returning to Hove as Sussex's overseas player.

As we revealed exclusively last month, the 28-year-old Zimbabwean has signed a two-year deal.

He replaces Michael Bevan whose contract has been terminated a year early by mutual consent.

Sussex were concerned that Bevan's Australian commitments could have kept him out for several weeks at the beginning and end of the 2002 season.

Goodwin proved an outstanding success in his first summer with the county which ended with promotion to Division One in the Championship.

He scored 2,645 runs in all cricket including eight centuries and formed the most effective opening partnership in the country with Richard Montgomerie.

Several counties, including Hampshire and Leicestershire, were monitoring developments and Sussex are delighted that Goodwin has committed his future to them.

Coach Peter Moores said: "Murray made a terrific impact, not only with the runs he scored but also the way he helped our team mature.

"He's a quality performer in his own right as his statistics show and he also brought the best out in Monty.

"Having said that we're disappointed things couldn't be worked out with Bev, but in our first season in Division One I think it was vital we had our overseas player available throughout the season.

" We thank Bev for what he did for us and wish him good luck in the future."

Goodwin, who has just started a new season in Perth with Western Australia, is looking forward to the challenge of top flight cricket.

He said: "When we played Lancashire at the end of last season I spoke to Mike Atherton and he told me there was quite a difference from Division Two and I'm looking forward to the new challenge it presents."