'What a way to go if that turns out to be my last innings'

The only shadow over Sussex's feat in winning the County Championship for the first time is the future of Murray Goodwin.

Because of possible new regulations that will restrict counties to one overseas player from 2005, the new champions might be able to offer Goodwin only a one-year contract, since they have made it clear that they want Mushtaq Ahmed as their first choice overseas player.

"I'd like to stay with Sussex," said Goodwin after his record-breaking innings of 335 not out. "But I understand the situation. I hope this wasn't my last innings for Sussex, although, if it was, what a way to go."

The Sussex captain, Chris Adams, said: "Murray is a sensible guy and he will take stock of the situation. He began as a makeshift opener and I believe he has developed into a world class one. If he decides to move on he will be inundated with offers."

As for his own future, Adams said: "I reckon I have five years cricket left in me, I would be 38 by then, and I would love to think I would see out my career here."