12-man squad named for first Bob Willis Trophy match vs. Hampshire

A 12-man squad has been named for Sussex’s opening Bob Willis Trophy match against Hampshire, with Jack Carson and Henry Crocombe in line to make their first-class debuts.

19-year-old Carson, who bowls right-arm off-spin, and 18-year-old Crocombe, a right-arm fast bowler, have both been handed one-month rookie contracts, and are joined in the squad by Ollie Robinson, who has returned from international duty.

In total, four players could make their full Sussex debuts in the first match of this shortened 2020 season, with Mitchell Claydon and Stuart Meaker also included in the squad of 12.

Squad to face Hampshire

Ben Brown (C) (wk)

Ollie Robinson

Jack Carson

Tom Clark

Mitchell Claydon

Henry Crocombe

Harry Finch

George Garton

Tom Haines

Stuart Meaker

Delray Rawlins

Phil Salt

Speaking ahead of the curtain-raiser against rivals Hampshire, head coach, Jason Gillespie said: “We are just happy to be back and looking forward to some cricket.

“The work that has been put in by everyone at the ECB and Sussex Cricket to get these games on has been sensational.

“We now just can’t wait to get started. Our group gives us a good chance to test ourselves against some Division One sides, with the aim of a trophy at the end of it.

“We’re happy to give some of the younger academy guys a chance, and I’m excited to see how they do. They have really impressed us so far.”

The opposition

Hampshire have named a 13-man squad for their trip along the south coast, with Sam Northeast set to captain his side at Hove for the second time in less than a week.

The 2019 Division One runners-up were the visitors to The 1st Central County Ground on Monday and Tuesday for a two-day friendly, and the same squad, plus batsman Harry Came, have travelled once more.

Hampshire squad

Sam Northeast (C), Tom Alsop, James Fuller, Oli Soames, Harry Came, Ajeet Dale, Joe Weatherley, Keith Barker, Ian Holland, Lewis McManus, Felix Organ, Scott Currie, Mason Crane

Follow the action LIVE

Despite matches in the Bob Willis Trophy being played behind closed doors, we are still determined to bring Sussex supporters as close to the action as possible.

Play is set to get underway from 11am on Saturday 1 August, and as well as our usual coverage across social media, fans will be able to watch every ball live via our new and improved Match Day Centre.

The stream will also be synchronised with BBC Sussex radio commentary, and the new Match Day Centre has been streamlined to give supporters the best possible online experience.