David Wiese returns to squad for Hampshire clash

A 15-man Sharks squad will face Hampshire in El Clasicoast on Sunday, with David Wiese back in contention following the completion of his quarantine period.

Wiese returned from South Africa over two weeks ago and is now available for selection, while Phil Salt will hope to make his wicket-keeping bow for Sussex after being denied the chance against Surrey on Friday.

That fixture saw only 15.2 overs played, with Luke Wright scoring 31 off 25 balls and Salt hitting 40 off 22 before play was abandoned due to heavy rain with the Sharks 116-5.

Sharks squad to face Hampshire:

Luke Wright (C) 

Will Beer

Ravi Bopara

Danny Briggs

Ben Brown

Mitch Claydon

Harry Finch

George Garton

Stuart Meaker

Tymal Mills

Delray Rawlins

Ollie Robinson

Phil Salt

Aaron Thomason

David Wiese

Sussex head coach, Jason Gillespie said: “David [Wiese] is available for selection, which is fantastic. It’s great to have him here in Hove and we’re looking forward to seeing him back.

“We’ve had no indication from the ECB about Jofra Archer’s availability. Obviously he’s going to be part of England’s plans going forward, so at this stage, we’re not planning to have Jof around this season.

The opposition

Like Sussex, and most counties across the country, Hampshire were also left frustrated by the weather in their opening match of this year’s Vitality Blast, and had to settle for a point against Kent Spitfires.

Hampshire started well in Canterbury with Joe Weatherley top-scoring with 68 off 49 balls, but they struggled to keep the run-rate ticking over and eventually finished their 20 overs on 139-6.

In reply, the Spitfires began quickly, with Daniel Bell-Drummond hitting 28 off 16 balls and Zak Crawley scoring 22 off nine deliveries, but a huge downpour arrived after 4.1 overs of the Kent innings and the match was abandoned.

Hampshire finished seventh in the South Group last season, winning just five games, but have been bolstered by the signing of Scotland international, George Munsey for this year’s competition.

Munsey scored 19 off 21 balls against Kent, and will open the batting for his new side when they travel to The 1st Central County Ground on Sunday.

Follow the action LIVE

Despite matches in the Vitality Blast being played behind closed doors, we are still determined to bring Sussex Sharks supporters as close to the action as possible.

Play against Hampshire is set to get underway from 2pm on Sunday 30 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.

Hit For Six Competition

In partnership with 1st Central, we’re giving away prizes to three lucky Sharks fans after every match in this year’s Vitality Blast!. Simply tell us how many sixes you think the Sharks will score and you could win one of three £50 Sussex Cricket gift vouchers! 

Submit your answer below by 2pm on 30th August and don't forget to share with your friends.

Good luck and enjoy the game LIVE on the Sussex Cricket website. 

Support the Sharks from home

We know this season is a little bit different, but we don’t want that to stop you from feeling involved, so we have put together our own T20 Vitality Blast ‘Support from Home’ Pack! 

The packs includes 'four' and 'six' cards, decorations for your home, foam fingers, hair headbands, exclusive discount offers from our partners, Ridgeview Wine, Piglets Pantry and Harvey's and lots more!