Squad announced for first match of 2018 at Hove

The 1st Central County Ground is set for its first cricketing action of 2018 on Thursday, with Sussex welcoming Hampshire for a two-day friendly.

The match will also be new head coach, Jason Gillespie’s first match in charge at the home of Sussex Cricket.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Gillespie expressed his excitement at taking the reins at the club.

Tomorrow’s fixtures follows hot on the heels from another two-day pre-season warm-up between the sides that ended in a draw at The Ageas Bowl yesterday.

Ben Brown made a century for Sussex, with Luke Wright and Luke Wells both contributing with half-centuries.

Wells is rested for tomorrow, with Laurie Evans coming into the side for his first appearance in a Sussex shirt in 2018 having impressed during the ECB’s North-South series in Barbados last week.

Fresh from Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, Stuart Whittingham will also make his 2018 Sussex debut. He replaces Academy bowler, Will Sheffield in Sussex’s 13-man squad.

Once again, it is planned that all 13 players will feature in the game. Play is scheduled to begin at 11am on both days and entry to the ground will be free.

Squad:

Ben Brown

Adam Barton (MCC Young Cricketers)

Will Beer

Danny Briggs

Michael Burgess

Laurie Evans

Harry Finch

Tom Haines

Ollie Robinson

Abi Sakande

Phil Salt

Stuart Whittingham

Luke Wright

The Specsavers County Championship returns to The 1st Central County Ground on Friday 27th April, when Sussex welcome Gloucestershire. Catch every ball of Sussex’s Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup matches at Hove and enjoy a host of other benefits by becoming a Member for the 2018 season.