Sussex have snapped up New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum for this summer's Twenty20 Cup, having lost the services of Tillakaratne Dilshan due to international commitments.

Twenty-seven-year-old Black Cap McCullum is one of the most highly-rated players in the shortest form of the game and is one of only two men to have scored an international T20 century.

Professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson, told the county's official website: "Brendon was always on our shortlist for 2010 and once New Zealand's tour to Zimbabwe was postponed we made our move.

"His power at the top of the order can give us the start we need to help us defend our 2009 title success.

"It is a shame that Sussex supporters will not get to see Dilshan though we hope we can bring him back at some point in the future."