Sussex vs Worcestershire

Sussex vs Worcestershire: Match Preview

Following a three-match unbeaten run to open their return to Division One of the County Championship, Sussex's strong start came unstuck up in Nottingham last time out as the hosts wrapped-up a convincing nine-wicket at Trent Bridge. But after a period of rest Sussex return to Hove where they are yet to taste defeat this campaign, with Worcestershire the visitors on this occasion.

Team News

Paul Farbrace is still without Danny Lamb and Sean Hunt, who sit out with their respective injuries. The rest of the squad is unchanged from our previous Rothersay County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire:

Alsop, Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Haines, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Karvelas, Moore, Robinson, Seales, Simpson* (wk)

The Opposition 

Worcestershire have found things a little tricky thus far who, after consolidating their Division One status last season with a sixth-placed finish, find themselves bottom of the pile after four matches. The only side in the division yet to record a win, they drew the opening game of the season at Somerset in dramatic style, but have since lost their last three. 

Captain Brett D'Oliveira leads his sides with the bat, scoring 253 runs at an average of 31.62, whilst with the ball Matthew Waite has claimed 12 scalps, one ahead of fellow seamers Jacob Duffy and Tom Taylor. 

Farbrace's Thoughts

The Head Coach was naturally frustrated with his side's performance at Trent Bridge, though was able to pick out a plentiful amount of positives. Speaking on the defeat, Farbrace said:

"We're obviously disappointed that we lost the game. We expect to play well and we expect to compete in every game, and this game has taught us a fair bit about us a team. We had a conversation in the changing room about the last month, and if you offered 51 points at this stage of the season after four games, I think we're pretty happy with that. But we're disappointed in the way we've lost the game."

"By and large, I'm actually quite pleased with where we're at. I never like losing, and I think we're a team that are very honest, we're learning together. I'm looking forward to every game we've got. I said at the start of the year this first month, where you've got two Test grounds to visit, and Surrey and Somerset the two big teams in the last five years in county cricket coming to Hove - what a brilliant opportunity."

"Worcester did brilliantly last season to stay in the division - they've been a bit of a yo-yo team over the last five years, but we know them having played against them in Division Two a couple of years ago. They're a good team, they've got a lot of good players, and yes, they might have had an indifferent start but so have a few other teams as well. We'll be treating that Worcester game as a chance to put into practice what we've learned from these first four games."

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

The action gets underway tomorrow at 11am. 

Ticket Information 

Tickets are available to purchase online now for all four days. Sixes Social Cricket, the latest addition to Hove, will be open throughout the duration, too.

Going forward, buying your tickets online is the quickest and easiest way to secure your seat, save a bit of extra money and protect yourself if rains comes into play.

Question of Sport

Following the conclusion of Day One, why not come along to our Question of Sport, hosted by the one and only Adrian Harms!

See the likes of Ollie Robinson, Tymal Mills, Paul Farbrace and many more compete in teams against legends of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. 

No need to book online - simply arrive on the night! It'll be a 7pm start at the 1st Central County Ground.

Members Forum

The next Members Forum will take place on tomorrow (Friday, 9th May) at 9.30am in The Long Room.

Members will have the chance to hear from Pete Fitzboydon, Jon Filby and Paul Farbrace. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available. 

Matchday Dining