Sussex vs Hampshire | Pre-Season Friendly: Match Report (Day One)

Welcome back, Daniel Hughes. On a day where batters dominated bowlers, Sussex's shorter 30-over stint in the middle towards the end of play was sealed with a flourish: an elegant 53* that just seemed to get slicker and silkier as time progressed. Hampshire might just possess the fiercest bowling attack in the country, but here, as the clouds shifted into place overhead, they were made to look fairly ordinary. 

For it was a splendidly sunny spectacle for Hampshire's 60 overs with the bat. For our neighbours from the west it was the perfect conditions: blue skies, minimal breeze. And, indeed, they were a force in the end. Toby Albert and Tom Prest - two fine young cricketers - put on a show. A 122-run partnership that would have been a far higher figure had they both not retired having lifted their side from 82-3 to 206-3. They are intelligent cricketers, patient with the bat in hand but with the ability to strike when required. Both made half centuries after Mark Stoneman, Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins had been dismissed less than an hour into the day.

But the middle order came to the rescue. Liam Dawson was in next, and he'd, too, retire having faced just 40 deliveries. He made a quickfire 31, and allowed James Fuller some time out at the middle. Sussex's bowlers toiled away - Sean Hunt perhaps the pick of the bowlers, taking the scalp of Stoneman early on. But he bowled well and sharp. A mention must go to Archie Lenham, also. The young leg-spinner, who is still very much improving, bowled economically and tight here. And Ari Karvelas, who yearned for at least a wicket, picked up his side's last: bowling Kyle Abbott with the final ball of the innings. 

The clouds shimmied over and parked themselves there for the duration. The temperature plummeted and swiftly a number of the Hampshire fielders opted for the woolly hat approach. It's almost April, at least. But it was a good time for Sussex in reply to Hampshire's declared total of 285/5. Charlie Tear will be disappointed to miss out on a big score here, as the spotlight shone on Hughes and Tom Clark. Hughes was sumptuous out there, and both will return in the morning. Clark is a consistent bat for Paul Farbrace, immensely resolute and solid. He'd end the day on 38, whilst his batting partner would raise the bat for a well-earned half century. Brad Wheal, Abbott and Dawson all had a go with the ball, but only the former would end the day with a wicket. 

Another beneficial warm-up with day two to come tomorrow, and a very much welcome return to Hughes. That Sussex batting line-up just continues to grow in strength. Farbrace has plenty to choose from ahead of next week's opener in the Midlands.