South African overseas Theron delighted to join Sussex

Theron, 26, a right-arm medium/fast bowler, has played T20 and one-day international cricket for South Africa.

The bowler played for Brighton and Hove in the Sussex League in his teens and is delighted to be back in England

He joins New Zealander Scott Styris as one of the county’s overseas players.

Theron said: “I was always excited to come back, I played cricket here when I was about 19 years old for Brighton and Hove and made a bunch really good friends and I was keen to get back and play which would be my hope in England I suppose and see everyone again.

“When the opportunity came around I was very excited. When we finally came to and agreement and I was signed I was very happy to finally get on the plane and touch down here yesterday.

“You know it’s a new experience and new opportunity for me. Every where you go and every new team that you come to represent is something new to learn and something that you can take something from and get better from and that is certainly what I am hoping to do here.

“Foremost it’s t20 cricket and it’s always fun and enjoyable, I think especially coming back for me it might be a bit nervy for my first time in county cricket, if you think about it like that, but coming back into a team like this with a bunch of individuals like Luke (Wright) and a lot of friends, you know Scott’s a great guy, it just helps me settle down really quickly.

“In terms of pressure it’s not really something that I’ve ever really paid much attention to, I see it as a great opportunity and, for me, this is yet another one to really make a good impression and a try and get a more regular side in South Africa.

Sussex captain Mike Yardy is hoping both overseas players will add their own traits to the side to boost the campaign.

He said: “First and foremost they’re good guys and they’ll fit in very well in the dressing room and each bring their own experience and skill.

“Scott is a very dangerous striker we’ve unfortunately been on the wrong end of a few of his innings for Essex, so obviously we’re very happy to have him and Rusty is a top-quality death bowler, he’s done very well for South Africa so we’re very lucky to have two quality overseas players.

“More importantly we’re going to have them for the full 10 games, We’re not going to be chopping and changing so that’s some continuity for the team.”

Sussex start their t20 campaign away to Kent tomorrow (June 12, 5.30pm)