KENT allrounder Mark Ealham has paid tribute to the Sussex side that has defied the tide of history to capture the county championship for the first time.

Ealham said: "I would like to say hats off to Sussex for their success. A lot of people have suggested they are a one-man side.

"Although Mushtaq Ahmed has been outstanding for them they have also dragged consistent performances from all their other squad members. Ask any side who’ve won the championship and they will tell you it’s not down to one bloke. It's down to the strength in depth of the squad."

Ealham stressed: "I’d be worried if Sussex were in mid-table, having beaten us twice. So, in my mind, yes, they are worthy winners.

"Robin-Martin Jenkins and Tony Cottey started well and Murray Goodwin’s chipped in when he’s been needed, as has their skipper Chris Adams.

"And take the game where Matt Prior and Mark Davis, their off-spinner, scored big hundreds when they were up against it. They are experienced cricketers who, knowing their side were in trouble, put their hands up and took the responsibility of doing their job when it mattered most.

"We talk of that at Kent, coming through for the team, and that’s vital if a club are to have a good season. It’s been a team effort. They have turned up, day-in, day-out and supported the man in form whoever that may be. I’m pleased for them."

He recalled: "I was on Radio 5 Live with Grizzly (Chris Adams) recently and he was talking about how his side would cope with the pressure of winning when they’re not used to such things.

"He said they had just tried to enjoy each day and play each session as they’d played the last and to not rely too much on Mushtaq.

"But I did notice that when Mushy hasn’t taken wickets he chipped in with a 50. He’s been a great signing in a dry season and is clearly a world-class spinner who continues to bamboozle people with his googlies, us included."

* Mark Ealham was talking to Kent Messenger Group cricket writer MARK PENNELL