Gatting has quickly got among the runs for Sussex

Sussex batsman Joe Gatting is thrilled with his successful switch back to cricket after three years playing football for Brighton and Woking.

The 21-year-old scored his maiden first-class century against Cambridge University on Wednesday.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "I am impressed with how quickly I have re-adjusted to playing cricket.

"I played this season just to try and break into the first team and I've been lucky enough to play quite regularly."

Gatting is the son of former Arsenal and Brighton footballer Steve and nephew of ex-England cricket captain Mike.

While he was quick to thank Sussex coach Mark Davis and his team-mates for helping him make the switch in sports, he is yet to speak to uncle Mike about his success.

He said: "He spoke to my dad and passed on his congratulations and I think I'm seeing him soon so I'll have a good chat with him then."

The youngster, who represented Sussex academy and their second XI before turning his attention to football, made the change back into whites look easy as he racked up 152 off only 156 balls against the University outfit.

"I'm really pleased and happy about how it went," he added.

"I started off well but then struggled a bit in the fifties - but then flew along after that, I can't see myself bettering that for quite a while."

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