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

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

The club’s books are under tight 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 also received point deductions in the County Championship, T20 Blast and One-Day Cup.

To get its finances under control, Sussex faces a significant cut to its playing budget at the end of the season.

Outgoing head coach Paul Farbrace recently told BBC Radio Sussex that 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.