Sussex Cricket are delighted to announce the signing of bowler Keith Dudgeon on a two-year contract from Kent. 

The 30-year-old South African right-arm seamer joins Sussex following a two-year stay in Kent, and claimed 42 First Class wickets for the neighbouring county this year on their way to a return to Division One.

Debuting for the county in the opening match of last year's campaign, Dudgeon claimed incredible figures of 7-36 at Northamptonshire before suffering a knee injury in training, which cut short his time as a Kent player.

But, returning this year, the seamer featured in 13 County Championship matches, taking 42 wickets at an average of 32.09 with best figures of 6/21. He was Kent's second-leading wicket-taker behind Matt Milnes, and now makes the move across to Sussex on a two-year deal.

Dudgeon has played a lot of cricket in his native South Africa, and has taken 281 First Class career wickets at an average of 26.96.

Sussex’s Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace said: “We are delighted Keith [Dudgeon] has committed the next two years to joining us at Hove. 

He is just the quality of player and person we have been looking for to help us to continue to grow and compete in Division One of the County Championship, and aim for the knock-out stages of the Blast.

Keith’s high level of skill, experience and winning nature is exactly what this team needs right now.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming Keith and his family to Hove and helping to continue to drive the club forward." 

Keith Dudgeon expressed his excitement about the move: "Really pleased to share that I’ll be joining Sussex for the next couple of seasons.

Long term county cricket has been the goal for a while now and I am grateful for the backing in that given to me by Sussex.

From everything I’ve been told, there’s a great group of lads in the dressing room, and I’m looking forward to joining them, bringing good energy and contributing to the team in whatever way I can.

I’d like to thank Paul Farbrace and Matt Walker, as well as the captains, for making this happen.

A huge thank you to everyone at Kent for the past two seasons. I’m incredibly grateful for the memories, the people and the experiences I’ve had along the way. Kent will always hold a special place for me. It’s a great club with great people and I have no doubt it will, too, go from strength to strength.

Now it’s time for a new challenge, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead at Sussex."

Dudgeon's arrival will be the second new addition to the squad ahead of the 2027 campaign, following the signature of Joey Evison, also from Kent.

Sussex Cricket can announce that five players will be leaving the Club following the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Daniel Hughes, Brad Currie, Harrison Ward, Troy Henry and Nantes Oosthuizen will all leave Sussex at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Daniel Hughes

After first joining Sussex as an overseas signing for the 2024 season, Hughes played a vital role in helping Sussex reach Finals Day in the Vitality Blast and achieve promotion to Division One in the County Championship. 

In the 2024 Vitality Blast, he scored 641 runs at an average of 40.06, including a top-score of 96 not-out - A score which he bettered during this year's competition as he hit an unbeaten 108 from just 52 balls against Middlesex at Merchant Taylors' School.

In the red-ball game, Hughes' consistency at the top of the order has been unquestionable. Finishing just shy of 2000 First Class runs for Sussex since his arrival, they come at an average of 43.13, including four centuries.

Speaking on leaving Sussex, Hughes said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time playing for Sussex. These last three years in Hove have been some of the most enjoyable of my career both on and off the field. I can’t thank the club enough for their support and everything they’ve done for me and my family during my time here. 

Thanks to all of the players and staff who let me into the changing room, it’s one of the most unique (but one of the best) I’ve been a part of. Sussex will always be a special place for me and my family given it is where our daughter Lily was born. Thanks for all the memories.”

Director of Cricket, Paul Fabrace, said: "Daniel has been a fantastic overseas player and professional over the last three seasons here at Hove. He has shown his high level of skill with the bat on the field and has been a really steadying influence on the dressing room and around the team. Daniel has so much knowledge and experience, he is a top professional and great team man.

Daniel and his partner, Maddy, made an amazing sacrifice to be with us last season, by staying in England for the birth of their daughter Lily, and this just showed how much Daniel cares about this club, and we can’t thank Daniel and Maddy enough for their amazing contribution over the last three years.

Daniel and Maddy will always be welcome here at Hove, and Daniel I hope will look back on his time here with a sense of real satisfaction, because scoring runs and winning games in both forms for the game is one thing, but the role he has played helping to develop our home-grown players has been immense.

We wish Daniel, Maddy and Lily all the very best and look forward to seeing them back here at Hove."

Brad Currie

Currie initially joined Sussex on a short-term deal in 2022, making an immediate impact on debut, taking 6-93 in the County Championship against Middlesex at Lord’s.

He then went on to become a key member of the Sharks’ white-ball attack that year, taking 12 wickets in 8 appearances as he helped the side reach the semi-finals of the Royal London Cup. Brad continued to shine in the T20 Blast for the Sharks with his tricky left-arm swing bowling, taking 16 wickets and earning call-ups to his national team, Scotland. 

Unfortunately, Brad was only able to feature once for the Sharks this year, after picking up an injury to his achilles during the Vitality Blast opener against Essex at Chelmsford.

Currie said: "I’m sad that my time at the club has come to an end, especially as this season was fully tainted by injury. Sussex were the club to take a chance on me and allowed me to live out moments I will forever cherish, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I sincerely wish each and every individual connected with the whole club all the very best with their careers. I hope to never be a stranger at Hove. GOSBTS."

Fabrace said: "Brad has been a very loyal servant to Sussex over the last few years, and we have all been delighted to see him progress to playing with real distinction for Scotland in ICC tournaments and World Cricket leagues. Brad is one of the best professionals I have had the pleasure of working with, and that’s why to have lost him to injury for most the of the Blast campaign was tough to watch, he gives himself the very best chance of success every day, by training hard, preparing well and being incredibly knowledgeable about the game.

I am looking forward to watching Brad's career flourish and develop and we all wish him every success, and he is always welcome back here at Hove."

Harrison Ward

Ward signed for Sussex in 2021 after coming through the Club's talent development partnership with Oxfordshire. Primarily seen as a white-ball prospect, Ward has led the line atop the batting order in T20 cricket over the past few years, and recorded his High Score of 69 in the competition earlier in the season against Leicestershire.

Also featuring in the red ball and One Day Cup sides, Ward leaves the Club having played in four First Class matches, 12 List A games and 57 T20s. In T20 cricket, he has racked up 1,199 runs with a strike rate of 146.21, making seven half-centuries.

On leaving Sussex, Ward said: "I would like to say thank you to everyone who has made my time at Sussex thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you for the support from all the members, supporters and in particular the Players Club. Also to the coaches, supporters staff and lads in the dressing room, all of whom I will miss greatly. I would finally like to wish the club all the best for the future and will always be following the Sussex scores."

On Ward's departure, Paul Farbrace said: "Harrison leaves Sussex with our very best wishes, as he has developed into an excellent T20 player at the top of the order. His ball striking ability has been fantastic to watch, and he has shown that he can also back that up with his top-class fielding, especially on the boundary. It is never easy when young players who have come through the pathway, and in Harrison’s case through the excellent Oxford/Sussex pathway when they must move on.

We all wish Harrison nothing but the best in his next chapter, and because of his popularity in the dressing room will always be most welcome back."

Troy Henry

Henry made history last year as he became the first graduate of the ACE Programme to play professional men’s cricket when he made his debut for Sussex Sharks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The left-arm spinner is the former captain of the ACE team, a charity run by Chevy Green that Sussex Cricket has worked closely with that engages young people of African and Caribbean Heritage, helping to provide them with opportunities to become professionals in the game.

He made six appearances for the Sharks in List A cricket, taking five wickets.

On leaving Sussex after a two-season stay: "After two memorable years at Sussex, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, opportunities, friendships and memories. Making my debut in the 50-over competition was a huge moment I’ll never forget and will always be proud of.

A massive thank you to Farby, the coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes for the belief, support and encouragement you’ve given me. You’ve helped me grow not only as a cricketer, but as a person too, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

And to my teammates, thank you for the laughs, support and memories. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for this club and the people who made these two years so special. Thank you, Sussex. 💙"

Commenting on Henry leaving the Club, Farbrace said: "Troy joined Sussex after the open trials day we held at Hove just over two years ago. Troy stood as a very talented spin bowler with a great attitude. He has worked so hard over the last two seasons and showed a high level of skill in the One Day Cup this past season and in particular the game at Arundel, when he played a leading role in the one win we had in the competition.

Troy and his family have been a real pleasure to have at Hove over the last two years, a very popular young man and one we all want to see keep developing and evolving his career. Troy and his family will always be most welcome back here at Hove."

Nantes Oosthuizen

After joining Sussex from the Surrey Academy ahead of the 2025 season, Oosthuizen made his Sussex debut at Durham during the 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign.

He featured twice more in the competition, taking three wickets across his three matches played for the Sharks.

Farbrace said: "Nantes joined us from Seaford College and has shown a real improvement in his skill levels and hope he is able to use what he has learnt form the last couple of years and drive himself on to be the best he can be. A lovely young lad and a real pleasure to work with over the last couple of years. We all wish Nantes the very best and he knows he is always welcome back at Hove."

Oosthuizen said: "I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Sussex, it was a great experience to have learned from such a great group of players and coaching staff. I wish Sussex nothing but the best for the future."

The full list of players leaving the Club is:

• Henry Crocombe
• Fynn Hudson-Prentice
• John Simpson
• George Thomas
• Tom Alsop
• Dan Hughes
• Brad Currie
• Harrison Ward
• Troy Henry
• Nantes Oosthuizen

The Club would like to place on record its thanks to all departing players for their effort and commitment during their time at Sussex and wish all of them the very best for the future.
 

The England Men selectors have named a 16-player squad for this month’s ODI tri-series in Pakistan, with James Coles called-up to the side.

Coles received a maiden call-up to the ODI squad back in July ahead of the series against India, and has featured in T20I England squads, too.

This ODI tri-series will see England face Pakistan and Sri Lanka later this month, with the matches held in Pakistan.

ODI tri-series (England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) – schedule:

18 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – start 5.30am 
20 October – Pakistan v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – start 5.30am
22 October – Sri Lanka v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – start 5.30am
25 October – Pakistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - start 4.30am
27 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – start 4.30am
29 October –Sri Lanka v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – start 4.30am
31 October – Tri-series final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – start 4.30am
*start times are UK (BST/GMT)

The full 16-player squad is:

Harry Brook (Yorkshire – captain)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Tom Banton (Somerset)
James Coles (Sussex)
Jordan Cox (Essex)
Mason Crane (Glamorgan)
Henry Crocombe (Sussex)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Will Jacks (Surrey)
Jamie Overton (Surrey)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

Sussex Cricket can confirm that wicket-keeper John Simpson will join Nottinghamshire after a three-year stay at the Club.

Leading the Club as captain back to Division One in his first year with Sussex in 2024, Simpson has since played an integral role with both bat and gloves across all three formats since his arrival.

The left-hander spent 16 years with Middlesex, accumulating over 13,000 runs and taking 866 dismissals with the gloves, prior to his move south to Sussex, where the now 38-year-old has continued to flourish both with the bat and gloves.

Recording the third-most runs in Division Two of the County Championship in his first full season at the Club with 1,197 runs at an average of 74.81 - including scoring five centuries with a High Score of 205* - Simpson was also an key part of Sussex's route to Vitality Blast Finals Day.

The following year, Simpson again struck over 1,000 First Class runs, ending the season with 1,086 runs and guiding Sussex to a highly commendable fourth-place finish in the Club's first season back in the top flight since 2015.

Simpson has accumulated 2,864 First Class runs in his time at Sussex, with 11 centuries and 147 dismissals from behind the stumps.

To date, Simpson has made 96 appearances for Sussex - 42 in the County Championship, 39 in the Vitality Blast and 15 in Metro Bank One Day Cup.

Speaking on his departure from the Club, Simpson said: "The three years I have spent in Hove have been some of the most enjoyable and rewarding of my career.

Promotion to Division One in 2024, a place at T20 Finals Day, followed by fourth and then a third-place finish, under challenging circumstances, are a deserved reward for the hard work, commitment and belief of all the players, coaches and staff.

Sussex is a great club, and a big thank you to all the loyal supporters for your incredible backing throughout my three years. I feel privileged not only to have played here, but also to have had the opportunity to captain the team.

Thank you, lads, for all your support. I’ve loved playing alongside you all.

Lastly, to Paul Farbrace, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity. It’s been a wonderful three years."

Paul Farbrace, Director of Cricket and Head Coach, said: "I would like to thank John [Simpson] on behalf of everybody at Sussex Cricket, and I mean everyone, players, staff, members, supporters, partners and sponsors.

John is one of the best professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with at any level. Quite simply we could not have done what we have done on the field at Hove over the last few years without him.

John captained the team to winning Division Two and coming fourth in Division One, and then this year as Club Captain third in Division One. His weight of runs have been phenomenal along with the fantastic and enjoyable array of shots.

Keeping wise, he is still as good as any keeper in English cricket, and his catch off of the inside edge against Notts in our last home game was simply world class. We would have loved to have kept John at Sussex for a few more seasons, but our financial situation meant it just couldn’t happen.

From a personal point of view I have loved our brilliant working relationship, building, nurturing and developing a fantastic team, spirit and culture here at Sussex.

John will always be welcome back at Hove, and in three seasons on and off the field has been a fantastic professional, a great bloke and a real credit to himself and his family.

Simmo, we will all miss you, mate." 

All at Sussex Cricket thank Simmo for his dedication and contribution to the club across the last three years, and wish him good luck in the next chapter of his career.

Sussex completed a dominant victory over south coast neighbours Hampshire after a century from captain Tom Haines and Tom Price’s five for 33 saw them win by 197 runs in the Rothesay County Championship.

Bottom-of-the-table Hampshire were routed at 26 for four at lunch and were bowled out for 238 in the final session of day three.

The Martlets take 19 points from the game to guarantee a top three finish, having been deducted 12 points at the start of the season.

The day began with Tom Haines reaching his century, having been 99 not out overnight, off the first ball to bring up three figures for the first time in the Championship since April 2025.

With the lead already at 332 runs going into the third morning, Sussex looked to get a move on with half an eye on having Sunday off.

The visitors batted for just over an hour, with spinners Felix Organ and Andrew Neal bowling all but two overs of the session, and in that time, they racked up 103 runs before declaring on 319 for nine, leaving Hampshire the almost impossible task of chasing 436 to win.

Neal had Jack Leaning, who made 78 in the first innings, out early on for 12 before Haines was trapped lbw by Organ, looking to sweep to the short boundary, for a magnificent 130.

The wickets gave Jack Carson a chance to have some fun, as he blasted 28 off just 16 deliveries – 24 of them coming the way of sixes in consecutive overs.

First-innings hero Jaydev Unadkat joined the party as Sussex decided they had tortured the hosts enough, and skipper Haines called them in at 11:37am.

The Indian left-armer then struck with his third ball, wrapping Organ on the pads after Nick Gubbins had been dropped at second slip the delivery before.

Tom Price then had Toby Albert plumb in front before bookending his second over with the wickets of Tom Prest and Joe Weatherley for ducks, leaving Hampshire reeling at three for four, with loud jeers from the crowd when a single brought the runs to level with wickets on the scoreboard.

After being 26 for four at lunch, Hampshire were soon reduced to 29 for five when Brown was caught behind, but Gubbins remained strong, having had a life first ball.

He reached a battling half-century, with minimal celebration, and put on 85 with 18-year-old Ben Mayes for the sixth wicket, but both were dismissed in quick succession off the spin of Carson.

Andrew Neal and James Fuller battled through to tea, playing with the fluency that the top order would’ve liked, to see Hampshire to the break at 192 for seven.

Tom Clark pulled off another screamer, to back up his one-handed grab from yesterday, to remove Fuller for 39 as Neal moved to his maiden Championship fifty.

But the job was done for Sussex when Andrew Neal and Kyle Abbott were pinned lbw by Price to give him his fifth career five-wicket haul.

It is the final season at Hove for many of the Sussex players, with several off to new pastures, but they will be buoyed by the strong showing in this summer’s Championship, with seven victories to their name – equal to title-winning Warwickshire.

Hampshire head to Division Two for the first time since 2014, with Sussex’s Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Leicestershire’s Rishi Patel added to their roster.

But with only four batting points this season and Kyle Abbott not getting any younger, can their younger players find their feet in the second tier?

Jaydev Unadkat claimed the 25th first-class five-for of his career and second for Sussex in the Rothesay County Championship as Sussex closed in on victory over Hampshire.

The Indian left-arm fast bowler took five for 32 as the lead destroyer as Hampshire were rolled for 128 – confirming they would only score a record-low four batting points this season.

Tom Haines then took over from Unadkat as chief tormentor - but was left on 99 overnight - to take the visitors to 216 for five and to a lead of 332 by the end of the second day.

Much of the damage to Hampshire’s batting had already been done on the first evening as they were left clinging to 55 for four overnight.

Tom Price opened the wicket-taking on day two when Tom Prest’s lack of foot movement left him culpable to an edge behind.

Nightwatcher Eddie Jack lasted a further seven overs, as he and Ben Brown tried to block away the collapse, but had his off stump torpedoed by Unadkat. 

Ben Mayes stuck with Brown for 39 runs but it wasn’t the substantial partnership that was needed to change the course of the innings as Sussex built constant pressure.

The tail were dislodged fairly harmlessly – after Sussex’s had scored 120. Mayes and Andrew Neal were both lbw to James Coles before Unadkat polished off the tail.

The four-time Test-capped quick had James Fuller spectacularly caught at a wide second slip before sending Kyle Abbott’s leg stump cartwheeling.

It meant Hampshire had been bowled out for 128 – 122 runs short of the requirement for a first batting point. 

They had only reached 250 three times in the first innings in the required 110 overs, meaning they had only picked up four bonus points for batting – lower than the previous lowest, the five set by Middlesex in 2023.

Sussex’s approach, on a tired pitch they expected to get worse and worse, was to go big, but do it relatively quickly.

Haines largely played as an anchor, which allowed others to flourish and batter the 55-yard boundary. 

Tom Clark fell early, with an expansive shot caught at wide mid off, but Haines managed stands of 62 and 64 with Charlie Tear and Oli Carter to see their lead rise and rise.

Haines has had a spluttering season, filled with plenty of promising starts but a lack of the huge scores you’d associate with one of the most talented batters in the premier red ball competition in the world.

Five half-centuries had gone unconverted but against a drained and already relegated bowling attack, he dominated the bowling with authority and dispatched anything short.

He looked primed to reach his 16th first-class hundred in the last over of the day but could only score a single off the final ball to leave him with a nervy night,

Hampshire waited patiently for wickets, with spin playing a large role. Neal continued to show his promise with three wickets, with Organ grabbing the other two, but the day certainly belonged to Sussex – who will be aiming to wrap up victory tomorrow.

Foundation Celebrates Volunteers at 2026 Cricket Collective Awards

Volunteers from clubs and communities across the county were recognised at the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards, which brought together 80 volunteers, family and friends in the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms at The County Ground, Hove, on Sunday 20 September.

Taking place alongside the Sussex Cricket League T20 Finals Day, the annual awards brought together volunteers, young leaders, clubs and community champions from across Sussex to celebrate the individuals whose dedication helps cricket thrive in communities throughout the county.

Organised by the Sussex Cricket Foundation, the England & Wales Cricket Boards’ Cricket Collective Awards recognise the volunteers who give their time to ensure cricket remains accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. From coaching and officiating to grounds management, administration, fundraising and safeguarding, volunteers are the driving force behind recreational cricket across Sussex.

Speaking after the ceremony, Gary Wallis-Tayler, Head of the Sussex Cricket Foundation, paid tribute to the county's volunteers and their impact on the game.

These awards are important as they recognise the achievements of volunteers, who dedicate an enormous amount of time to ensure accessible opportunities are provided for all to access the game in their local communities.

“We were delighted to host all our volunteers on Sunday and celebrate those who won awards. I would like to thank all of our volunteers in Sussex for their incredible contributions to helping make the game thrive in Sussex."

The Sussex Cricket Foundation would also like to thank Acrisure, Sussex Cricket Premium Partners, who sponsored the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards, and provide continued support to the Foundation and recreational cricket across the county.

2026 Cricket Collective Award Winners

The afternoon recognised outstanding volunteers from 10 different clubs across the county:

• Newcomer of the Year: Matt Ricks (East Dean & Friston CC)
• Young Cricket Collective Champion: Fabian Gilchrist (Bexhill CC)
• Raising the Game: Dylan Griffiths (Shoreham-by-Sea CC)
• Metro Bank Champion of Girls' Cricket: Lewes Legends - Daisy Moore, Violet Bassett, Amber Lanaway, Scarlett Olliver, Saskia Wells, Ella Bartholomew and Cora Hippolyte-Rumbold (Lewes Priory CC)
• Unsung Hero: Laura Goulds (Haywards Heath CC)
• Official of the Year: Annabel Martirossian (Lewes Priory CC)
• Grounds Management Team of the Year: Phil Wickwar (Burgess Hill CC)
• League Legend: Jon Meredith (Little Common Ramblers CC)
• Coach of the Year: Dean Pearce (Turners Hill CC)
• Lifetime Services to Coaching: Clive Harris (Polegate & Stone Cross CC)
• Cricket Collective Champion: Gemma Gamble (East Dean & Friston CC)
• Lifetime Achiever: Tim Cox (Edenbridge CC)

The winners embody the best of cricket in Sussex and the voluntary work that sustains clubs, leagues, facilities, coaching, officiating and participation across the county.

Each recipient has strengthened their club and community, from inspiring new players and volunteers to maintaining facilities, developing girls' cricket and supporting daily club operations.

The awards also recognise the wider volunteer workforce behind recreational cricket in Sussex. Coaches, scorers, grounds persons, administrators, officials, fundraisers and safeguarding officers help keep the game welcoming and accessible to all.

Mandy Davis from West Chiltington & Thakeham CC who was nominated in the Unsung Hero category said:

It was a great privilege to have been nominated and it was an excellent opportunity to chat with other cricket volunteers from across the county.

The Sussex Cricket Foundation would like to congratulate all winners and nominees and thank every volunteer supporting the game across Sussex.

Our 12 Sussex winners will now enter the ECB Cricket Collective Awards national shortlisting process alongside county winners from across England & Wales. Please also keep an eye out on the Sussex Cricket Foundation social media channels over the next few weeks as we celebrate each of the individual award winners.

View the full list of nominees for the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards here.

Behind the scenes and at the heart of club life, Sussex's volunteers help cricket thrive and keep the game open to everyone.

Jack Leaning turned a poor Sussex position into first day glee in the Rothesay County Championship as already relegated Hampshire collapsed again.

Leaning struck 78 to turn Sussex’s wilting 124 for seven into 244, with a 75-run stand with Jack Carson turning the tide.

Jaydev Unadkat’s two wickets sparked the hosts to collapse to 55 for four at the close – with Hampshire without a home red ball victory since April last year.

This is the only Division One match with nothing riding on it – with Sussex overcoming their 12-point deduction to sit fourth, but too far short of a title charge, and Hampshire already confirmed as Division Two county next season after last week’s defeat to Leicestershire.

Sussex chose to bat first at Utilita Bowl, but having slumped to 124 for seven on a tired surface on the far edge of the square, Hampshire would have fancied bowling the visitors out for under 200.

Hampshire have had a poor Championship season with scant reason to celebrate, but the morning session gave a reason to leave the campaign with some optimism.

Kyle Abbott, Eddie Jack, James Fuller and Andrew Neal bowled in perfect harmony, building pressure for each other and earning the rewards.

Abbott picked up his 63rd wicket of the season in his fourth over when Tom Haines’s edge flew to third slip.

Fuller got one to nip back and stay a tad low to dismiss Tom Clark lbw before Jack bowled Oli Carter, with the batter also expecting more bounce.

Charlie Tear and James Coles recovered the 38 for three situation to 75 for three, but the fidgety Coles swept spinner Neal straight to midwicket – meaning all four main bowlers had ended the morning with a wicket each.

Hampshire began the afternoon with three more quick wickets, with Tear feathering Abbott behind, John Simpson lbw to Jack and Tom Price plumb in front to Felix Organ.

But the pressure on the batters popped; spinners Neal and Organ were milked for boundaries – especially with the minuscule perimeter to the west side of the ground – and Leaning and Carson adding to the general Hampshire beleaguredness. 

The pair put on 75 in barely an hour to angle Sussex towards par, and even after Carson was bowled by Fuller after a punchy 46 and Ari Karvelas came and went, Leaning hit the hyperdrive button.

He reached his fourth fifty of the season with the first of four ballistic sixes over the 55-yard legside boundary in a single Abbott over.

Leaning – who averages almost 50 against Hampshire – bossed a 43-run stand for the final wicket to take Sussex to 244, before he was bowled by Jack.

Fuller returned three for 45 and Jack three for 38, to take the wicket-taking strain off Abbott.

What followed was symptomatic of a batting line-up that has only picked up four batting points, and had by far their greatest scorer, Jake Lehmann, back in Australia.

Indian Unadkat angled one into Nick Gubbins’ pads, before Albert was caught at first slip.

Felix Organ was lbw, and Joe Weatherley was caught low down at second slip as Hampshire endured 24 overs in the long shadows.

From Grace Road to Utilita Bowl, Sussex commenced and curtail their Rothesay County Championship campaign on the road looking to end things on a high in Hampshire following a fine victory over Nottinghamshire last time out.

Yes, a strong win it was over the last season's red ball champions. A seven-wicket win in the end courtesy of some outstanding bowling and a touch of class and nous with the bat. Ari Karvelas picked up a five-fer in what has been a remarkable return to the side, as Sussex severely dented Nottinghamshire's hopes of back-to-back championships.

Ollie Robinson returns from his dream summer with the England Test side to bolster the attack in the final outing of the year, as Paul Farbrace completes his tenure as Head Coach with a short hop over the county border to face already-relegated Hampshire.

Team News

So, Ollie's back. Fresh off the back of taking 28 wickets at an incredible average of 9.32 in his four Test appearances against New Zealand and Pakistan this summer, Robinson returns to the side.

Dan Hughes also returns to the squad having missed the previous two red ball outings through injury. Henry Crocombe is away on international duty with England's ODI squad, and so misses out.

Squad: Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Goodman, Haines, Hughes, Hunt, Ibrahim, Karvelas, Leaning, T Price, Robinson, Simpson, Tear, Thomas, Unadkat.

The Opposition

Despite avoiding relegation in dramatic style last year, Hampshire find themselves out of luck and out of time following confirmation last week that they will be playing in Division Two next season. A disappointing campaign, then, with the red ball for Russell Domingo's side, who have picked up just four batting bonus points all season.

Therein lies the issue, yet arguable their finest win of the year came at Hove in the County Championship back in June, and they were good for it, too. That was their previous victory in the competition, some six matches and 94 days ago, with their only other win coming at Yorkshire in the second match of the seaosn.

Runs may have dried up for the county west along the A27, but in Jake Lehmann, who has since returned to Australia, they have division's third-highest run scorer this year. 965 runs scored at an average of 48.25 are fantastic number for the overseas batter who, alongside Nick Gubbins, have racked up a solid number of runs. 

And, with the ball: the imperious Kyle Abbott. 62 wickets thus far at an outrageous average of 15.80 has given Hampshire plenty of hope in matches this season, with the county's next highest wicket-taker in Sonny Baker (29) who has featured in just eight matches, and is an absentee for tomorrow, too.

Tickets

Tickets for all four days are available via Hampshire's website, which can be accessed by clicking this link.

How to Follow

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