Ben Brown hits hundred on second day of Hampshire friendly

Ben Brown made a century on day two of Sussex’s pre-season friendly against Hampshire at The Ageas Bowl.

The match ended in a draw, with Hampshire reaching 127-0 in their second innings after Sussex concluded their only innings of the match on 356-8.

Morning rain prevented Sussex from resuming on their overnight score of 206-5 until 2pm.

With Luke Wright retiring on 73 before the start of play, it was Brown and new man Michael Burgess who took the field for Sussex with a maximum of a further 30 overs available to the visitors.

Burgess looked accomplished during his stay at the crease, making 24 from 32 balls before he was caught at slip in the 12th over of the day.

Meanwhile, Brown, who had resumed on 40, was confident in his stroke-making and raced towards a first hundred of 2018. He reached the landmark off just 89 balls, hitting 14 fours and two sixes, and promptly retired.

Ollie Robinson made an assured 43, whilst Phil Salt and Harry Finch came to the crease for a second time making 13 and 3 not out respectively.

By the time Sussex’s 75 overs of batting had expired, they had built a lead of 229 over Hampshire, who had made 127-6 from 30 overs on day one.

The home side then batted for the remaining 30 overs of the match, with openers Jimmy Adams (63*) and Lewis McManus (61*) both making unbeaten half centuries.

Sussex’s bowlers used the opportunity for more match practice with Robinson, Abi Sakande, Will Beer and Adam Barton each bowling at least five overs.

Sussex’s next pre-season friendly is another two-day match against Hampshire, starting on Thursday at The 1st Central County Ground.

Play is scheduled to begin at 11am on both days and entry is free.

The Specsavers County Championship returns to The 1st Central County Ground on Friday 27th April, when Sussex welcome Gloucestershire. Catch every ball of Sussex’s Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup matches at Hove and enjoy a host of other benefits by becoming a Member for the 2018 season.