Sussex have completed the signing of South African seamer Keith Dudgeon on a two-year contract from Kent. The 28-year-old joins the club for the 2027 and 2028 seasons following a productive 2026 campaign where he claimed 42 first-class wickets at an average of 32.09.
Dudgeon’s arrival coincides with a significant squad overhaul at Hove. Sussex recently confirmed the departure of 11 players, including captain John Simpson—who has moved to Nottinghamshire—alongside Daniel Hughes and Tom Alsop. The recruitment of Dudgeon follows a pattern of Sussex signing players from regional rivals Kent, including Joey Evison and Jack Leaning.
Analysis of the club’s current movement suggests a targeted recruitment strategy to maintain competitiveness while managing a high volume of exits, a situation reportedly exacerbated by financial constraints at the club.
Dudgeon’s move follows a successful return to professional cricket after a major physical setback. He suffered a ruptured ACL in April 2025 during his initial period with Kent, requiring a year of rehabilitation before returning to the attack in 2026.
Paul Farbrace, Sussex’s Director of Cricket, said: “He is just the quality of player and person we have been looking for to help us to continue to grow and compete in Division One of the County Championship, and aim for the knock-out stages of the Blast.”
Sussex finished third in Division One during the 2026 season despite being handed a 12-point deduction. Kent, meanwhile, secured their return to the top tier after finishing as runners-up in Division Two.
Dudgeon expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “Long-term county cricket has been the goal for a while now and I am grateful for the backing in that given to me by Sussex. From everything I’ve been told, there’s a great group of lads in the dressing room, and I’m looking forward to joining them, bringing good energy and contributing to the team in whatever way I can.”
While the signing strengthens the seam department, Sussex still face decisions regarding their 2027 structure. The club must appoint a new red-ball captain to replace Simpson and determine how Dudgeon fits into the overseas registration limits, as he occupied an overseas slot during his tenure at Canterbury.
