HOVE — In a significant move to bolster their batting lineup for the coming seasons, Sussex have announced the signing of experienced batter Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year contract, commencing at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The 30-year-old right-hander, who has been a consistent and prolific run-scorer for Kent across all formats since joining from Yorkshire in 2019, will bring a wealth of County Championship and white-ball experience to The 1st Central County Ground. The deal represents a major coup for Sussex as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion and trophies.
A Proven Performer Heads for the South Coast
Leaning has established himself as one of the most dependable middle-order batters in the country. During his six seasons with Kent, he amassed over 5,000 runs in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in their 2021 County Championship Division Two title win and their 2022 One-Day Cup triumph. His reliability and ability to bat for long periods make him an ideal candidate to shore up a Sussex batting order that has shown flashes of brilliance but has sometimes lacked the necessary resilience.
In a statement released by the club, Leaning expressed his excitement about the new chapter: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Sussex. It's a club with a fantastic history and a really exciting, young squad that is clearly going places. I've always enjoyed playing at Hove and I can't wait to call it my home."
He also acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Kent, adding: "Leaving Kent was a very tough decision. I've loved my time there and have made friends for life, but this felt like the right opportunity at the right time for me and my family. I remain fully committed to giving my all for Kent for the rest of the 2024 season."
Strategic Signing for Sussex's Ascent
For Sussex, the acquisition of Leaning is a clear statement of intent. Under the leadership of head coach Paul Farbrace, the club is in the midst of a ambitious rebuild, focusing on developing young talent like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ollie Robinson, and James Coles, while strategically adding seasoned professionals to provide stability and guidance. Leaning fits this profile perfectly.
Paul Farbrace was unequivocal in his praise for the new signing, stating: "Jack is a high-quality, proven batter who will add a huge amount of experience and toughness to our batting line-up. He is a fantastic professional and exactly the kind of character we want at Sussex."
Farbrace also highlighted the specific qualities Leaning will bring to the squad, noting: "His record in first-class cricket speaks for itself, and he has been a key part of Kent's success in recent years. He knows how to build an innings and win matches, and that mentality will be invaluable for our developing group of players."
By the Numbers: Leaning's Impact
A look at Jack Leaning's statistics underscores why Sussex were so keen to secure his signature. His first-class record is particularly impressive, boasting an average hovering around 40, a benchmark for a high-quality county batter. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a hallmark of his game.
Beyond the raw numbers, Leaning's value is multifaceted. His contributions are not limited to a single format, making him a versatile asset for the Sussex team sheet. Key attributes he brings include:
- First-Class Pedigree: Over 8,500 first-class runs with 18 centuries.
- White-Ball Prowess: A List A average over 40 and a capable T20 finisher.
- Leadership Experience: Has captained Kent on several occasions, providing a ready-made leader.
- Part-Time Bowling: Useful off-spin option to break partnerships.
The Broader Context and Kent's Reaction
The move comes at a time of significant transition for Kent, who have recently appointed a new director of cricket, Simon Cook. Losing a player of Leaning's calibre is undoubtedly a blow, but it also frees up a significant portion of the salary cap. Cook acknowledged the departure with a tone of understanding, stating: "We thank Jack for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours at Sussex."
For Sussex, this signing follows the pattern of attracting established players seeking a new challenge, similar to the successful acquisition of Cheteshwar Pujara. It signals that the project underway at Hove is viewed as an attractive and upwardly mobile one within the county circuit. The club's focus on blending youthful exuberance with hard-nosed experience appears to be a calculated and effective strategy.
What This Means for the 2025 Season and Beyond
With Leaning slotting into the middle order, Sussex's batting lineup for the 2025 County Championship season looks formidably deep. Imagine a top six featuring Tom Haines, Tom Clark, the overseas stalwart, Cheteshwar Pujara, Jack Leaning, and the explosive John Simpson. This provides a balanced mix of grit, flair, and experience that should be the envy of many Division Two sides and competitive in the top flight.
The three-year length of the contract is also significant. It demonstrates a long-term commitment from both parties and provides the stability Leaning needs to become a cornerstone of the team. It allows him to mentor the next generation of Sussex batters, imparting the game-management skills he has honed over a decade in professional cricket.
Conclusion: A Statement of Intent
The signing of Jack Leaning is far more than a simple player transfer; it is a powerful declaration of Sussex's ambitions. In securing a batter of his quality and temperament on a long-term deal, the club has addressed a key area of need with a proven, domestic solution. He is not just a run-scorer; he is a winner, a leader, and a professional of the highest order.
As Paul Farbrace and his team continue to mould a squad capable of returning Sussex to the upper echelons of English cricket, the arrival of Jack Leaning in 2025 feels like a pivotal moment. It sends a clear message to the rest of the county circuit: Sussex are building something serious, and they are here to compete.