Tom Alsop signs three-year deal with Gloucestershire

Tom Alsop has become the latest confirmed departure from Sussex as the club looks to cut costs after being put into special measures by the ECB. Top-order batter Alsop, 30, has agreed a three-year deal with Gloucestershire and will move at the end of the season. After spending restrictions were imposed on Sussex, Theresa Alsop, who follows promising fast bowler Henry Crocombe and experienced all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice out of Hove, had been linked with a move elsewhere. "Financial situation has made it necessary for [Alsop] to move on," Sussex's head coach Paul Farbrace said in a statement on the club's website, thanking him for his "great service, on and off the field." "Despite exploring possibilities it's with a heavy heart that I've made this decision, knowing that the picture is uncertain over my future here with the club's financial position," Alsop said. "I've loved playing for Sussex. I aim to remain a Hove resident long-term. "However, as a professional cricketer at my stage, security is very important, and I've got to think about my family and what's best going forward with an offer from Gloucestershire CCC. I can't thank everyone enough to those who have made my time so enjoyable here at Hove" On his new club, Alsop said: "I'm delighted to sign for Gloucestershire; the club, via Jon Lewis, has a clear vision of where they want to get to and hopefully I can play my part in that. I'm really looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead on and off the pitch. Being a Wiltshire lad, it'll also be nice to be closer to home too." Alsop excelled at Hampshire before signing for Sussex in 2022, initially on loan. He averages 37.59 in first-class cricket for the county, with six hundreds - including a career-best 182 not out against Leicestershire - but has only played twice in the County Championship this season, with Sussex preferring Tom Clark at No. 3. He was present throughout Sussex's T20 Blast campaign, but he was unable to prevent them from finishing last in the South Group. He is currently playing in the Hundred for Sunrisers Leeds. Alsop has also played for Trent Rockets and has overseas experience in the Big Bash League and ILT20. Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire's director of cricket, said: "Tom is a fantastic batter with the ability to perform across all formats. His experience in franchise cricket and the domestic game makes him a fantastic addition to our squad. "He has been a consistent performer for Sussex, Trent Rockets, and Hampshire, and importantly, he has shown great resilience in the County Championship. "It's a pleasure to see him come to Bristol because, as Tom mentioned, he has strong ties to the West Country, particularly Wiltshire. Tom will be an important figure in our dressing room and help us continue to develop this squad."