“We are delighted Keith has committed the next two years to joining us at Hove,” Sussex’s director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, said. “He is just the quality of player and person we have been looking for to help us to continue to grow and compete in Division One of the County Championship, and aim for the knockout stages of the Blast.

“Keith’s high level of skill, experience and winning nature is exactly what this team needs right now. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Keith and his family to Hove and helping to continue to drive the club forward.”

The club also announced on Thursday that Australian opener Daniel Hughes, who has played at Hove for the past three seasons, would not be returning.

Dudgeon’s arrival on a two-year deal will help offset some of those losses as Sussex aim to follow up a third-place finish in Division One, as will the signing of Kent allrounder Joey Evison.

Dudgeon said: “Really pleased to share that I’ll be joining Sussex for the next couple of seasons. Long-term county cricket has been the goal for a while now and I am grateful for the backing in that given to me by Sussex.

“From everything I’ve been told, there’s a great group of lads in the dressing room, and I’m looking forward to joining them, bringing good energy and contributing to the team in whatever way I can. I’d like to thank Paul Farbrace and Matt Walker, as well as the captains, for making this happen.

“A huge thank you to everyone at Kent for the past two seasons. I’m incredibly grateful for the memories, the people and the experiences I’ve had along the way. Kent will always hold a special place for me. It’s a great club with great people and I have no doubt it will, too, go from strength to strength.

“Now it’s time for a new challenge, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead at Sussex.”