Rory Hamilton-Brown today thanked Sussex for allowing him to fulfill his "dream" of captaining Surrey.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year contract at The Oval but admits the decision was not easy.

He said: "It has taken a considerable amount of soul-searching to reach this decision and I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to Sussex for the fantastic support they have given me and their understanding of my final decision.

"I leave the club with great memories and the club, the players and the coaches have played a major part in my development as a player.

"It’s no exaggeration to say that returning to Surrey as captain is the dream of a lifetime for me personally as well as a massive honour and a huge responsibility.

"I will make sure I fulfil the confidence that Surrey and specifically Chris Adams have shown in me and I am determined to help bring the club success in the future."

Hamilton-Brown and Adams will make a quick return to Hove when the new season starts. Sussex's first home game in the Championship is against Surrey on April 14.