Toucan

Sussex player Luke Wright has revealed he turned down the opportunity to take part in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

He becomes the third England international to refuse to take part in the competition after Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara and Lancashire bowler Sajid Mahmood also revealed they declined offers from the IPL.

Like Bopara and Mahmood, Wright is not centrally contracted and would only need permission from Sussex to take part in the Twenty20 competition.

But Wright said his focus remained on solidifying a place in the England side and therefore did not want to leave the country at this crucial stage of the season.

Wright said: "Obviously I was very pleased to be considered for the IPL. However, at the moment my main focus and priority is playing for my country.

"If the timings were different and it wasn't going to affect my chances of playing for England then it would be something I would seriously have to consider."

Wright has played in five one-day internationals since his debut against India at the end of last season. The batting all-rounder was also in the England squad which took part in the World Twety20 tournament in South Africa.

The 23-year-old will face New Zealand when playing for the England Lions at the Rose Bowl tomorrow and is hoping to improve his chances of a Test call-up.

He said: "I am now very much looking forward to the match against New Zealand which is obviously a great chance for me to prove myself in the longer version of the game and hopefully push for a Test place."

Wright has completed four innings four Sussex in the County Championship this year and has an average of 25.25 with a highest score of 58.

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