Tom Haines reflects on 'unbelievable' ton

After scoring the second first-class century of his career, Tom Haines was overjoyed following the conclusion of day one against Surrey.

It was 809 days since the opening batsman scored the first ton of his career, against Durham at Arundel in 2018, but he was delighted to reach that landmark again at The Kia Oval.

Haines said: "It’s been a little while coming. It’s been a couple of years since my first one, and a couple of years of hard work, but to finally get there today – the feeling was unbelievable. Hopefully there will be many more.

"I keep getting starts but sometimes get out from my own mistakes, or sometimes it’s just a good ball, but today to go on and get that century was lovely.

"The wait since my last one has been frustrating but it’s also been a real learning curve, last year especially when I only played five games after doing quite well the year before. It was a bit of an eye opener and I learned a lot."

Sussex have endured a frustrating Bob Willis Trophy campaign, which started so well with a fantastic win in three days over rivals Hampshire, and Haines himself has played very well at times throughout the tournament - but failed to convert good starts until today.

He said: "I haven’t felt out of nick with these five Bob Willis Trophy matches, even without a lot of preparation. I’ve felt good in all of them but got to the twenties and got out a lot, so to go on today was unbelievable and hopefully I’ll keep going tomorrow.

"It’s an unbelievable ground to get a ton at. I’ve never played here before so I rocked up this morning thinking ‘wow’. It’s an amazing place to play cricket so it was even more special.

"The job’s not done yet heading into tomorrow. Hopefully me and Browny can keep going as we are until the cut off point in 50 overs time, and make our score into a big one."

Like many opening batsman across the country, Haines knows how difficult his job is in the team. Opening the batting is arguably the toughest job in the game, but thanks to strong support from coaches at Sussex and England's greatest ever batsman, the 21-year-old  has managed to stay positive during testing times.

"It’s not easy batting up top." said Haines. "I keep doing the hard bit and getting through the new ball but it really isn’t easy and it’s a game which plays with your head. Luckily I’ve had very good people around me at Hove.

"My head was very clear today going into this game and luckily I played well.

"A few of our young batsmen also spoke to Sir Alastair Cook after the Essex game and one thing I picked up that he said was just hit more balls than anyone else. That’s something I’ve done over the last couple of weeks in the little break we’ve had.

"That advice is something I’m going to take into the winter with me and hopefully I can carry on this good form throughout next season as well.

"For us to speak to Alastair, and Jack [Carson]  to speak to Simon Harmer, that’s absolute gold dust. It was the first time I’d met him and the first time I’d played against him.

"Just to hear the real simple things that go through his head really confirms it might not be as hard a game as you make out in your own head sometimes. It was so good to speak to him."