Members' Forum updates

Sussex Cricket held the latest Members’ Forum today at 10am on Tuesday 11th July in Cow Corner at The 1st Central County Ground.

The Forum was well attended by Members which took place prior to day 2 of the County Championship match against Derbyshire.

The panel consisted of Jon Filby (Sussex Chair) and Rob Andrew (CEO).

Paul Farbrace sent apologies for not being able to attend as he was preparing the team following a brilliant batting performance on day 1.

Jon Filby provided updates on his three priorities which he outlined when he took over as Sussex Chair.

The first priority was for the first team to win more games of cricket. Jon highlighted that although the team had won one game of County Championship cricket this season, the team remained unbeaten and were performing significantly better than in previous years.

Several homegrown Sussex players were performing consistently well, including on day 1 of the match against Derbyshire, which saw four homegrown players make half-centuries: Tom Haines, Tom Clark, Oli Carter and Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

The second and third priorities set out by Jon Filby were to value members and supporters and to continue to build relations with the ECB.

Jon emphasised the improved atmosphere around the ground and a number of initiatives to ensure The 1st Central County Ground is a welcoming environment, also pointing to the work carried out by head coach, Paul Farbrace and his engagement with staff and supporters.

He spoke of the ongoing work himself and Rob Andrew continue to undergo with the ECB in ensuring the voices of Sussex Members are heard, particularly regarding the quantity of cricket on show, and the concerns around the fixture lists of the future.

Rob Andrew then provided updates the Club as a business, as well as the performance of the team and the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

He confirmed the Club is close to finalising a deal to lease the office spaces, which the Club owns the full freehold on.

Rob also echoed Jon Filby’s delight at the progress being shown on the pitch, thanks to the leadership shown by Paul Farbrace, as well as the experience which has been gained by our homegrown players over previous seasons.

Finally, Rob Andrew placed on record his thanks to the Sussex Cricket Foundation who continue to work extremely hard to increase participation among all groups and communities across the county.

Rob Andrew and Jon Filby then fielded questions directly from Members. In particular, Members asked for updates on outground cricket and the return of Cheteshwar Pujara following his omission from the India Test side.

Outground cricket

The Club was keen to return to an outground in the future, however it was not possible this season due to the fixtures and schedule.

The only opportunity we had to do so would have meant there would have been no red-ball cricket at Hove during July and August.

Pujara return

Cheteshwar Pujara will return to the team as planned for the One Day Cup. It was felt that we should continue with our two overseas bowlers for the remainder of July and honour the agreements that were already in place.

He is currently taking part in the Duleep Trophy Final and everyone at the Club wishes him all the best in that fixture.

Decisions on overseas signings for the games in September are currently being made.