Watch: Rejected by IPL, Ishant Sharma scores maiden first-class fifty in County Cricket

Ishant Sharma, who was snubbed at the IPL 2018 auctions earlier this year, continued to impress for Sussex in English domestic cricket - but this time by bat. 

Sharma has created a buzz with a five-wicket haul in the previous match against Warwickshire. 

Now, Ishant Sharma has delivered with the bat. The lanky pacer hit his first first-class fifty in the ongoing County Championship Division Two match against Leicestershire. 

The 29-year-old scored 66 runs from 141 balls including 6 fours and a six. He was involved in a 153-run partnership with Michael Burgess for the eighth wicket. 

Ishant batted throughout the morning session and then came back to pick two wickets later in the day. 

REPLAY: A moment of history as Indian superstar @ImIshant scores his maiden first-class fifty and it comes in a Sussex shirt. #gosbts pic.twitter.com/Lp2Q7axh6j

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 21, 2018

Ishant getting in on the six-hitting action. And it's a biggie!

329-7 off 110.2 (Burgess 44*, Sharma 43*) #gosbts pic.twitter.com/yIHWjio62w

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 21, 2018

“I had a really enjoyable time batting with Ishy!” @mgkburgess reflected on his partnership with @ImIshant and scoring his second first-class ton on day two vs. @leicsccc. #gosbts

https://t.co/ubcVHsbcws pic.twitter.com/GDUeS4eCOA

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 22, 2018

Ishant Sharma has played 81 Tests and 80 one day internationals India. 

Sharma has joined Sussex until June 4 and will be available for the county's first five County Championship division two matches and all eight of their group fixtures in the Royal London One-Day Cup.