Sussex to play in Women's London Championship in 2021

Image: Don Miles

Sussex Women will take on their south-eastern rivals in 50-over matches this summer after becoming the latest county to join the Women’s London Championship.

Sussex join Essex, Kent, Middlesex and Surrey in the competition which was set up last year to fill the gap left by the 50-over County Championship which ended in 2019. Surrey were the inaugural winners of the Women’s London Championship, winning all three of their matches.

Each team will play each other, with two games at home and two games away. There are ten points for a win and bonus points available for batting and bowling performances. The side that finishes top of the league will be crowned champions.

Sussex will start their debut campaign with a trip to Kent on Tuesday 1st June before welcoming Surrey to the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy two days later on Thursday 3rd June.

Sussex will host Essex on Saturday 17th July at Blackstone Academy Ground, sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College, before playing their final match of the tournament away to Middlesex on Thursday 22nd July.

Looking ahead to the competition, Sussex Women's head coach Alexia Walker said: "We are very pleased to be joining the London Championship this summer. It is an exciting time for women’s cricket with the professionalisation of the domestic game and we are proud to join Middlesex, Surrey, Essex and Kent to enable more opportunities for players to progress. 

"County cricket has been instrumental in providing talented players the platform to test and show off their skills over the years. The London Championship will allow more players the chance to challenge themselves in a competitive environment, push for regional places and enjoy competing for their counties still."

Sussex's Women's London Championship fixtures

Tue 1 Jun Kent v Sussex, Venue TBC, 11am

Thu 3 Jun Sussex v Surrey, BACA,11am

Sat 17 Jul Sussex v Essex, Blackstone, 11am

Thu 22 Jul Middlesex v Sussex, TBC, 11am

Venues for Sussex’s away fixtures will be confirmed in due course. Please check the fixtures page for the most up-to-date information.

As well as the Women’s London Championship, Sussex will also play in the Vitality Women’s County T20.