Blast from the past: Murray Goodwin

To accompany our Blast from the past ticket offer for this year's Vitality Blast, we're revealing the identities of each member of the Sussex Sharks squad that took the T20 trophy back in 2009 and looking at their contributions to that memorable campaign. First up, a true club legend and Sussex's second highest run-scorer in that year's tournament....

MURRAY GOODWIN

Apperances: 10

Runs: 273

Average: 34.12

Highest: 80*

The 2009 twenty20 Cup got off to a slow start for Murray Goodwin, with a low-score in the opener against Hampshire followed by a three-match absence through injury. He hit his straps on his return, however, with a 32-ball 39 in a losing cause away at Kent.

Murray returned to the side and to form against Kent

Sussex then went on to win all five of their remaining matches in the South Group, with Murray playing a key role in the victories against Essex and Surrey. He was particularly impressive during the eight-wicket triumph at Chelmsford, smacking four fours and two sixes on his way to an unbeaten 64 off 54 balls. Bizarrely, he was denied the man of the match award despite his match-winning performance. That honour went to Essex’s Varun Chopra for a scintillating 26 off 26 balls from number eight, suggesting that a local sponsor might have been behind the decision!

The Zimbabwean’s biggest contribution came in the semi-final. Sussex’s bowlers had given the side a great chance of victory by restricting Northants to 136-6, but on a slightly tricky wicket, there were no guarantees. Murray ensured the Sharks’ chase got off to a flyer and then carried his bat as the team cruised into the final. He ended up with 80 not out off just 67 balls.

Goodwin receives the Man of the Match award for his semi-final performance

‘Muzza’ was unable to repeat the performance in the final, allowing his teammates to score the runs instead, but he did take a catch as Somerset were skittled for 109 to allow the celebrations to begin.

The celebrations begin!

Tickets for all seven of Sussex Sharks’ Vitality Blast group matches at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove go on sale at 10am on Thursday 1st March and can be purchased online or by phone on 0844 264 0202.

The Blast from the past promotion offering adult tickets for the match against Surrey on Friday 13th July at 2009 prices will then be available until the end of March.

An even better value way to catch that match and the rest of Sussex’s home group games is the T20 Blast Pass, which provides adult entry for the equivalent of £14.14 per match. For more details click here.