Vitality Blast interview: Will Beer

As the Sussex Sharks prepare for another year of T20 Vitality Blast cricket, leading wicket-taker Will Beer spoke of his excitement of once again putting on the Sussex shirt and playing in front of a full house at The 1st Central County Ground.

With the prospect of full crowds once again at Hove, this year’s T20 Vitality Blast campaign is one not to be missed, and our very own Will Beer can’t wait to get back out there again and entertain the crowd.

Speaking about his excitement to get going again, Beer said: “I’m only at T20 contract this year at Sussex so pulling on that shirt and playing at Hove and around the other grounds this year, in front of full houses, is especially exciting.”

Once again the Sharks have signed some exciting overseas players, many of which are regarded as some of the best in world cricket, and Will believes the fans are in for a treat this season: “We have some really exciting players, Riz for example is one of the best T20 wicket-keeper batsman in the world and you’ve obviously got the number one bowler in T20 cricket in Rash, so it’s amazing to have players of their calibre in our dressing room.

“For me personally it’s great to play and train alongside these guys, even at the age of 33 I am still learning so much, so to be rubbing shoulders with the best players in the world can only be good for all of us.”

Will has been a player synonymous with Sussex, and in particular the white ball teams alongside Sussex legend Luke Wright, who after stepping down as captain this season, is looking to have a major impact once again with the bat.

“Even though he isn’t going to be captain for us this year, he (Luke Wright) is going to be massively important for us this year. With Rav now as captain, they both have been successful at the top level of the sport, both winning the T20 world cup for England together, so to have them both in our team is a major boost.”

Continuing to discuss Luke Wright’s importance at Sussex, Will said: “Wrighty is a massive influence on a lot of us, and he has been a key part of the success we have had as a team in this competition over the years. He’s played all over the world, and wherever he goes he tends to be one of, if not the leading run scorer.”

Now the Sharks start a new era, with legendary all-rounder Ravi Bopara taking up captaincy, and Beer thinks his knowledge of our team from an opponent’s perspective can be crucial to help the team progress: “He obviously used to play for Essex and I’ve played against him a lot, so I think can maybe provide us with some feedback from an outsiders perspective, to help us progress and improve.

“He’s a vastly experienced and successful player, I am sure he will slot it into the role seamlessly. To have such a great crop of senior experienced players like Rav, Tymal, Wrighty etc. can only help our younger players like Archie for example.”

The last time the Sharks lifted the trophy came back in 2009, a final in which Beer took 2 wickets as we beat Somerset Sabres by 63 runs at Edgbaston, and to lift it again, although a difficult task, is a prospect he is relishing this year: “It’s obviously doing great individually, and luckily enough I’ve managed to win four trophies with Sussex now, but it’s been a little while since the last one.

“Nothing can top winning games of cricket and ultimately winning trophies with your mates, and that’s our ambition every year in this competition.”

Still need a ticket?

There is still time to buy your tickets online for our game against Gloucestershire. You can purchase tickets online up until the start of play. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone until 3pm today by either calling 01273 827100 or visiting the Club Shop.

Those wishing to purchase tickets upon arrival at The 1st Central County Ground are only able to do so via the Eaton Road gate from 5:30pm. However, we strongly recommend you buy them online in advance to reduce queue times and to ensure your tickets are protected by our refund policy.