Augustus has been a revelation in his first season for Slinfold, smashing no fewer than five centuries in 19 games – including a huge 146 against Billingshurst – to put the club on course for a second place finish in Division 3 West.

Confirming that his top-scoring batsman would be returning home before the final league game against Henfield on Saturday, Thorne said the club would welcome his return next season.

He said: "I hope he will return – he's had a great year and has really enjoyed himself.

"He said it has been his favourite season in England and he's been unbelievable.

"He must be quite close to having the highest batting average in all the leagues and we are very grateful to have had him."

In fact Augustus' 75.73 league batting average is the second highest in all the divisions, with only Horsham professional Michael Thornely narrowly ahead of him on 76.45.

His 836 league runs in 15 games is the fifth highest, and he has notched 1081 runs in all competitions for Slinfold, including five half centuries.