Squad Announced for County Championship Season Opener

The opening day of the LV= Insurance County Championship gets underway tomorrow at The 1st Central County Ground as Sussex host Nottinghamshire.

Head Coach, Ian Salisbury has named his squad ahead of the season opener, as the side look to build on some positive performances in pre-season:

Tom Alsop | 45

Jamie Atkins | 32

George Burrows | 31

Oli Carter | 11

Tom Clark | 27

James Coles | 30

Henry Crocombe | 5

Steve Finn | 44

Tom Haines* | 20

Dan Ibrahim | 40

Archie Lenham | 41

Ali Orr | 6

Delray Rawlins | 9

Commenting on the squad he has picked, and his thoughts on the game ahead, Salisbury said: “I have to say I am extremely pleased with the work everyone has put in at the Club over the winter. That includes the players, coaching team, groundsman and those behind the scenes.

“The boys have worked hard on their games, and I can safely say they have all come on leaps and bounds since the end of last year. Everyone involved just can’t wait to get going. The injuries are not ideal, and I am gutted for those boys, but this is a part of professional sport.”

With Nottinghamshire one of the early favourites for the division, Salisbury is aware of their strengths and the challenge they will present. He continues: “Notts are justifiably the favourites for the division, but we look forward to welcoming them down to Hove. They have a great coach in Peter Moores, and of course some quality players, but we are looking forward to the task at hand.

“Above all I am just can’t wait to get started, and it will be fantastic to see the supporters once again after two difficult seasons.”

Chetweshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan will be available for selection for the trip to Derbyshire next week, as Sussex continue to add experience to the youthful, yet promising four-day team.  

Fynn Hudson-Prentice will be sidelined after scans this week revealed a stress fracture to the lower back. The medical team at Sussex are continuing to work with Hudson-Prentice to aid his rehabilitation and make him available for selection as soon as possible.

Sean Hunt will also miss the game after suffering a fracture to the thumb in training. George Garton continues to be unavailable due to the effects of long Covid. Jack Carson is continuing to recover from his knee surgery over the winter.

Naturally Salisbury is disappointed by the latest squad injury news, however he sees this is a massive opportunity for the players coming into the team: “It is of course frustrating to lose players to injury just as we prepare to host a side like Notts, but for me, this is a big opportunity for those coming in to make a name for themselves and nail down a place for the games coming up.”

Play is due to begin at 11:00 each day, with gates opening at 09:30am every morning. Memberships will continue to be on sale from the club shop, and online until the first ball of the match.

Tickets for the match can also be purchased in advance through our website, or alternatively on the door throughout the day.

A reminder to all attendees that The 1st Central County Ground is now a cashless venue, therefore please ensure you prepare accordingly.

All four days of the action will be livestreamed and is available throughout Matchday Centre, where you can also find ball-by-ball updates, stats and highlights in real-time.