Blast from the Past: Robin Martin-Jenkins & Andy Hodd

In the penultimate instalment of our Blast from the past feature to accompany the special ticket offer for the Vitality Blast match against Surrey on Friday 13th July, we examine two players who, whilst not involved in every match, embodied the team spirit of Sussex's 2009 twenty20 Cup winners...

ROBIN MARTIN-JENKINS

Wickets: 6

Average: 26.33

Economy: 6.86

Best: 3-17

Appearances: 8

Runs: 18

Average: 6.00

Highest: 15

Legendary all-rounder Robin Martin-Jenkins played in eight of Sussex’s ten group matches. After initially being used as a change bowler with limited success, Robin was called upon to open the bowling during Luke Wright’s absence with England.

The new ball suited him and he consistently prevented the opposition from getting off to a quick start. His twenty overs opening the attack cost just 5.8 runs per over.

The 33-year-old veteran’s best spells came away at Kent and at Hove against Surrey. The first included the wickets of Joe Denly and Ryan McLaren as Robin took 2-18 during the defeat at Canterbury. The second was central to a Sussex victory, as Robin blew away the Brown Caps’ top three with the scalps of Scott Newman, Usman Afzaal and Mark Ramprakash to end with 3-17 from his four overs.

Always smiling. RMJ was happy to perform whatever role was asked of him

‘Tucker’ was less assured with the bat during the tournament. He struggled to find his niche, uncomplainingly fulfilling requests to bat anywhere from number three to number nine in the order. His top-score of 15 at Lord’s came from first drop.

Robin missed out on the knock-out stages, but that didn’t stop him travelling to Edgbaston for finals day and cheering the side on to victory.

RMJ joins in with the celebrations at Edgbaston

ANDY HODD

Appearances: 4

Runs: 6

Average: 6.00

Highest: 6

Stumpings: 2

Injury meant that Andy Hodd only came into the Sharks side for their final four matches in the tournament and the performances of Sussex’s top-order allowed only one outing with the bat. He made six in the home quarter final against Warwickshire.

Andy was full of energy behind the stumps

Nevertheless, ‘Hoddy’ was his usual bundle of energy behind the stumps, maintaining Sussex’s intensity in the field throughout the opposition innings. His accomplished glovework also brought two crucial wickets on finals day. His quick hands saw Niall O’Brien stumped off Mike Yardy in the semi and Craig Kieswetter fall to the same fate off Will Beer in the final.

Too quick for Kieswetter

Tickets for all seven of Sussex Sharks’ Vitality Blast group matches at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove are ON SALE NOW 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.