Last year's victorious Sussex 2nd XI with the T20 trophy

Sussex start their defence of the Second XI T20 with two matches against the Unicorns at The Saffrons, Eastbourne tomorrow (Wednesday).

Coach, Mike Yardy has named a 12-man squad for the fixtures that includes nine contracted players. Harry Finch will captain the side.

The Unicorns were formed in 2010 to showcase some of the best players from Minor Counties and Premier League cricket across England and Wales.

Since 2014 the Unicorns have competed only in the Second XI Trophy and Second XI T20 competitions but they have continued to provide a pathway into county cricket for recreational players and a route back into the first-class game for those who have been released by counties.

Among those who have benefited from exposure through playing for the Unicorns in recent seasons are Derbyshire opener Luis Reece, Warwickshire pair Ed Pollock and Alex Mellor, Northamptonshire seamers Gareth Wade and Ben Sanderson, Leicestershire wicketkeeper/batsman Lewis Hill and Nottinghamshire off-spinner Matt Carter.

The first match of the day gets underway at 11.30am, with the second following at around 3.15pm. Entry is free.

Sussex 2nd XI squad v Unicorns at Eastbourne CC

Harry Finch (capt.)

Will Beer

Laurie Evans

George Garton

Tom Gordon (Sussex boys’ Academy)

Tom Haines

Mason Robinson (wk, Sussex under-17s)

Delray Rawlins

Abi Sakande

Phil Salt

Will Sheffield (Sussex boys’ Academy)

Luke Wells