Sussex opener Orr makes Hampshire switch

Ali Orr made 198 in the County Championship against Glamorgan just four weeks after a double-century in the One-Day Cup

Sussex batter Ali Orr has left the club to join Hampshire on a long-term deal.

The left-hander scored 2,810 first-class runs at an average of 39 for Sussex, including six centuries, and amassed 670 runs in 14 matches at an average of 47.85 in one-day cricket.

"I hope I can contribute to success moving forward and can't wait to get started," Orr told Hampshire's website.

Hampshire have not disclosed the length of Orr's contract with the club but termed it a "multi-year deal".

"Ali has had an encouraging start to his career, he's got a strong desire to win and I think he is an excellent fit for our squad," said Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket.

"During our discussions he impressed me with his determination to challenge himself and improve. He's stepped outside of his comfort zone to join us and we are all looking forward to welcoming him to Hampshire."

Sussex agreed to terminate Orr's contract in order for him to move along the coast, with Hampshire set to pay an undisclosed compensation fee.

"Orr had one year remaining on his contract and was seeking to renegotiate the terms with the club - however, with this not possible, he signalled his intentions to move elsewhere," a Sussex statement said.

"Everyone at Sussex Cricket thanks Ali and wishes him the best in his future career."

Orr signed his maiden pro contract in 2021 but came to the fore in 2022 with a knock of 206 against Somerset in the One-Day Cup in August followed a few weeks later by 198 against Glamorgan in the County Championship.