Jon Lewis: Sussex name ex-England seamer as bowling coach

Jon Lewis's one season at Sussex was heavily restricted by injury

Sussex have appointed former England seamer Jon Lewis as bowling coach after he decided to retire from playing.

The 39-year-old joined from Surrey last winter, but only played eight County Championship matches because of injury.

But in his career, he took 849 first-class wickets at an average of 26.26, spending all but three of his 20 years as a professional with Gloucestershire.

"I'm excited to make the transition from player to coach to help develop the bowling attack at Sussex," he said.

"I'd also like to thank all the people that have been a part of my career, especially those at Gloucestershire and England."

Jon Lewis was part of the side that beat Australia in a T20 in the memorable Ashes summer of 2005

Lewis won just one Test cap, but played 15 limited-overs games for his country, the last of which came in 2007.

The medium-pacer signed a player-coach role with Surrey in 2011, but when he moved to Hove last October it was as a player only.

"Last year it became apparent Jon was born to coach and he instantly gained the respect of all the players within the squad," Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson added.

"His role is to develop our current bowlers and nurture the younger ones in our youth system."