Surrey beat competition to confirm signing of highly-rated Sussex seamer amid financial troubles

A Surrey sign pictured. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)

Surrey County Cricket Club have confirmed the signing of Sussex fast bowler Henry Crocombe ahead of the 2027 domestic season. He thus becomes the first player to leave the Sharks following their financial worries, which were first revealed at the start of the year.

Crocombe is having a breakout season on the south coast, taking 21 wickets from seven County Championship matches, at an average of 28.61. This includes a five-wicket haul against Leicestershire, a game where he ended with nine wickets across two innings.

Earlier this year, the 24-year-old received his maiden call-up to the England Lions squad during their series against South Africa A, taking four wickets in a First-Class game in Beckenham. His excellent form for Sussex and for the A side resulted in him being picked as cover for an injured Ollie Robinson during England’s second Test match against New Zealand, which coincidentally took place at the Oval, home of Surrey.

Crocombe is the first domino to fall amid Sussex‘s recent financial woes. The club’s finances are currently under strict control of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after they incurred losses of GBP 1.5 million in 2025. This resulted in them receiving point deductions in the County Championship, T20 Blast and the One Day Cup this season.

In order to balance the books, Sussex will be forced to cut their player budget at the end of the season, with many players having their contracts expiring.

 “It’s with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Sussex Cricket at the end of the season. I grew up at the Club and they supported me to play the game I love as a professional. I’m excited to start a new challenge at Surrey and the Kia Oval. I believe a move to south London offers me a new challenge and would benefit my own ambitions. This decision was not one I have taken lightly, but one I feel will continue to help in my development as a cricketer. The Club has a rich history of success and are always the team to beat in all formats. I’m looking forward to joining the squad and working with the coaches to take my game to the next level to help bring more trophies to the Club,” Henry Crocombe said via Surrey’s website.

Crocombe joining Surrey will bolster their already strong bowling attack ahead of next season. The South London-based side already have some great bowlers in their ranks, including Matthew Fisher, Reece Topley, Sam Curran, Dan Worrall, amongst others.

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