Vitality Blast: Sussex Sharks season preview

With the Sharks gearing up to attack the Vitality Blast again this year, the ECB Reporter's Network have previewed the season ahead. Find out about this year's overseas signings and who might be a wildcard to keep your eye on. 

Captain: Ravi Bopara

Overseas players: Nathan McAndrew (Australia), Shadab Khan (Pakistan).

Finals Day appearances: 5 (2007, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2021)

Titles: 1 (2009)

2022 finish: Seventh (South Group)

2022 leading run scorer: Tom Alsop (318)

2022 leading wicket taker: Tymal Mills (15)

Key winter moves: Luke Wright’s retirement will leave a big hole in the top order, but the Sharks have recruited well from overseas. Nathan McAndrew had a good Big Bash with Sydney Thunder and brings new-ball experience and middle-order hitting potential while the experienced Shadab Khan looks an ideal replacement for Rashid Khan.

The big question: Sussex have plenty of bowling options and Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan looks a terrific signing and Tom Alsop, who missed the first four games of 2022 but still finished leading scorer, has the temperament to anchor the innings and let others go for their shots.

Wildcard watch: Ali Orr - In Wright’s absence Orr is likely to get an extended opportunity at the top of the order. He has only played eight T20 games in his career but has all the shots in white-ball cricket, as he proved in 2022 when he scored Sussex’s first List A double hundred against Somerset.

Final thought: Two appearances at Finals Day in four years vindicated Sussex’s decision to prioritise the Blast but 2022 saw them pick up only four wins. They will miss Wright and Rashid Khan, who could win matches on their own, and their hopes of making the knockouts may depend on the experienced Ravi Bopara, Tymal Mills and Steven Finn, along with the exciting overseas signings of Shadab Khan and Nathan McAndrew.

Get your tickets to see the Sharks take on Somerset this Friday!

With overseas stars Shadab Khan and Nathan McAndrew joining the likes of world cup winner Tymal Mills, the Sharks are ready to attack the blast, starting Friday. 

Tickets for the T20 Vitality Blast opener at The 1st Central County Ground are selling QUICKLY! Get yours now online or call the Box Office on 01273 827100.