Sussex Cricket announces plans for Wisden bicentenary

Sussex Cricket will mark John Wisden’s bicentenary during the Rothesay County Championship match vs Surrey on September 8th, with a host of activities planned to mark 200 years since Wisden was born at Crown Street, Brighton on September 5, 1826.

Wisden made his debut for Sussex in 1845, where he took six wickets in his first innings as a fast roundarm bowler. He played for the club until 1863, scoring 2,234 runs and taking 344 wickets. Outside of his playing career, Wisden was a pioneer and successful entrepreneur who launched ‘The Cricketer’s Almanack’ from his sports and cigar shop in London’s West End. Published annually since 1864, it is the longest-running sports annual in the world and often seen as the Bible of Cricket.

To mark the occasion, Sussex Cricket will decorate its digital channels and website to honour John Wisden, these will be live from 5th September until the conclusion of the Surrey match - with squad announcements, score milestones and team graphics also being updated. 

When Sussex Cricket face Surrey on September 8th, the first 200 supporters through the gates will be presented with a limited edition Sussex Cricket and Wisden branded umbrella to mark the bicentenary of Wisden’s birth, with further surprises confirmed for the day.

Wisden’s patented ‘Catapulta’, which is believed to be the world’s first bowling machine, will be exhibited at The County Ground for attendees to see - just one of many exciting initiatives being planned by the free-to-attend Sussex Cricket Museum.

Everyone planning on attending is encouraged to wear yellow to tie in with the Almanack’s signature yellow look. All fans will receive a commemorative Wisden & Sussex Cricket scorecard mark the occasion, while attendees will receive exclusive discount codes to purchase ‘The Cricketer’s Almanack’, with up to 50% savings on RRP.

Those wishing to attend the celebrations are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance online, to avoid paying £5 more per ticket on the gate.

Local school children will be invited to learn about John Wisden, his work and history in Sussex. The club will also make its interactive nets at the Sixes venue free to use on the day, giving them an interactive cricket-themed experience. 

Delegates from Wisden will also be in attendance; its Editor, Lawrence Booth, Co-Editor, Hugh Chevallier and Publisher, Chris Lane will join the celebrations. Track Radio Presenter, Mark Pougatch will broadcast live from the east boundary, with contributions from key stakeholders from Wisden and Sussex Cricket featuring on his show.

Shaun Simmonds, Marketing Manager at Sussex Cricket, added: “John Wisden is an iconic figure in cricket, a name recognised globally, and someone who will always be kindly remembered in Sussex. We’re incredibly proud to be honoring the ‘little wonder’ from September 5th onwards.

“We have a lot planned for the Rothesay County Championship match vs Surrey on September 8th and are looking forward to having our supporters and members join in on the fun. We encourage everyone to wear yellow for the day, and we’ll be giving away 200 special edition umbrellas, as well as unique Wisden x Sussex Cricket scorecards on the day, so all cricket fans can take part in this historic celebration and hopefully enjoy a fantastic day of cricket, too.”