Sussex Sharks prepare to host Essex Eagles at Hove

Jack Carson comes into the Sussex Sharks squad for Monday’s Vitality Blast clash against reigning champions, Essex Eagles.

Carson replaces Chris Jordan, who has flown to the UAE for a quarantine period ahead of the IPL, but the rest of the squad remains unchanged from Saturday’s emphatic victory over Kent Spitfires.

Delray Rawlins was the star of the show in Canterbury with figures of 2-25 and a blistering 62* off 33 balls, while Luke Wright went clear at the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts with a quickfire 45.

Sussex Sharks squad to face Essex Eagles:

Luke Wright (C)

Will Beer

Ravi Bopara

Danny Briggs

Ben Brown (WK)

Jack Carson

George Garton

Calum MacLeod

Stuart Meaker

Tymal Mills

Delray Rawlins

Ollie Robinson

Aaron Thomason

David Wiese

Wright said: "Essex came to us last year almost out of the competition, beat us and then won the the whole thing - so they're not a side to be taken lightly. At least we have Ravi on our team this year! I remember him doing pretty well that night.

"You look at them at the minute and things haven't quite gone their way and that's the way it can be in T20, but they've not been far away at all. 

"Obviously they won it last year and there are a lot of good cricketers in their squad, but at the moment they're just on the wrong side of the results. 

"For us, we certainly won't be taking them lightly, but on the same token, we're playing really good cricket at the minute and we will just challenge the guys to be as clinical as we've been recently. 

"The execution from our bowlers and our batters has been absolutely on point, which has been really exciting to see. We just want to keep going and keep the momentum." 

The opposition

While Essex have been the standout performers in the Bob Willis Trophy, the Vitality Blast reigning champions have struggled for wins in the shorter format this summer. 

After rain saw their opening match against Middlesex abandoned, the Eagles then tied their next game against Surrey and suffered defeat to Hampshire in their third outing. 

Since that five-wicket defeat, Simon Harmer's side have lost their last three matches, with defeats against Middlesex, Kent Spitfires and Surrey.  

Ryan ten Doeschate is Essex's leading run-scorer in this year's Blast with 173 to is name, while with the ball, Matthew Quinn leads the way with seven dismissals to his name. 

Follow the match LIVE

Despite matches in the Vitality Blast being played behind closed doors, we are still determined to bring Sussex Sharks supporters as close to the action as possible.

Play against Essex Eagles is set to get underway from 2pm on Monday 14 September, and as well as our usual coverage across social media, fans will be able to watch every ball live via our new and improved Match Day Centre.

The stream will also be synchronised with BBC Sussex radio commentary, and the new Match Day Centre has been streamlined to give supporters the best possible online experience.

Hit For Six Competition

In partnership with 1st Central, we’re giving away prizes to three lucky Sharks fans after every match in this year’s Vitality Blast!. Simply tell us how many sixes you think the Sharks will score and you could win one of three £50 Sussex Cricket gift vouchers! 

Submit your answer below by 2pm on Monday 14 September and don't forget to share with your friends.

Good luck and enjoy the game LIVE on the Sussex Cricket website.