Winter Watch | Week 14

We're almost into March and with it the number of Sussex players still playing in abroad dwindles further, yet there are still runs to be had and wickets to be claimed in some rather high profile matches and Tours across the globe. Yes, Jofra, we're talking about you. Meanwhile, James Coles winter continues to improve over in the Middle East. But it's over to the T20 World Cup where this Winter Watch edition commences...

Jofra Archer

England and Archer's most proficient outing of the T20 World Cup occurred at the same time on Sunday morning as they romped to a convincing 51-run victory over Sri Lanka at a time when they needed it most. 

"It's not a sprint", declared Archer in the aftermath of his side's victory - a match where the Sussex fast bowler claimed impressive figures of 3-0-20-2, including 11 dot balls. England are improving, despite the rather shaky first innings total of 146-9. It proved, however, to be a fine score for such a wicket, such an occasion as England's attack produced their most vicious performance, skittling Sri Lanka for a mere 95.

An exemplary start for England in the Super 8s, who next fact Pakistan on Tuesday afternoon (1.30pm GMT). 

Anna Buckle

Having perhaps played more cricket this winter than any other Sussex player in the entire organisation, Buckle's consistent performances place her in fine stead heading into a fresh season in Tier 2 for our women's side.

There has scarcely been an occasion where she has not shined with the ball, and here, again, Buckle displayed her bowling capabilities by taking two wickets in a crushing win over Campbelltown Camden - including striking with the very first ball of the game. 

James Coles

How could this winter get any better for James Coles? First it was the Hong Kong Sixes, then the Abu Dhabi T10, leading into a wonderful SA20 campaign that may well be topped by this new England Lions tour.

Yes, he's back in Abu Dhabi with Pakistan Shaheens the hosts. And it's all going rather well. In the opening two T20s of the three match series, England claimed victory in both - James Coles starring in the second T20. He took two wickets in the opening match that was narrowly won, before following it up with a wonderful 50* from just 30 deliveries, as well as taking four wickets. A proper all-rounder performance. 

There's another T20 to play on Tuesday at 10am GMT, before a five-match 50-over series commences. That gets underway this coming Friday, at 6am.

Brad Currie

Few would have expected Scotland to play quite as well as they did in the T20 World Cup, with Currie's side finishing 3rd in their five-team group. Indeed, it could have been better had they not been beaten by Nepal and England by thin margins.

For Currie, though, this was an exceptional tournament. Picking up five wickets in total, it was his impressive economy rate that, when bowling at the early stage of an innings, helped set the tempo. It may not have been the result they so dearly cherished but, for a side with so little preparation, Scotland deserve all the laud and applause. 

Dan Ibrahim

A high scoring thriller for Ibrahim's Central Hawks Bay over the weekend, with his side chasing down 274 inside 47 overs. But the Sussex batter will perhaps feel he missed out on runs here, scoring 10 whilst others around him recorded centuries. He was consistent with the ball, though, even without taking a wicket - going for six and over from his 10-over spell.

George Thomas

Another nailbiter over in New Zealand, though this time with a few fewer runs. Defeated on the penultimate ball of the match, Thomas' Cornwall were all out for 177. Despite a nervous finale, Taradale just about got over the line with Thomas bowling particularly well. Like Ibrahim, though, was without a wicket and a high score to his name as he found himself on the losing side this past weekend.