Clark’s decision to stay, for a year at least, comes 24 hours after it was confirmed Sussex and England Lions bowler Henry Crocombe would be joining Surrey for the 2027 season.

His was the first player departure to be announced since Sussex’s financial problems were revealed in January.

The club’s books are under strict control by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following losses of £1.3m in 2025, including operating under a salary cap for the next three years.

They were also given points deductions in the County Championship, T20 Blast and One-Day Cup.

To get a grip on their finances, Sussex are facing a significant cut to their playing budget at the end of the season.

Outgoing head coach Paul Farbrace recently told BBC Radio Sussex the club had made offers to some out-of-contract players, but added that eight unnamed high earners had been told they would not receive new deals.