Sussex Cricket Foundation announce partnership with Ludimos

The Sussex Cricket Foundation are delighted to announce a new partnership with cricket coaching platform, Ludimos, initially on a 1 year agreement with a view to a longer-term partnership.

Ludimos makes cricket coaching smarter and records training with ease, review ball-by-ball performance, and refine player skills with data-backed insights, helping coaches and clubs deliver results that matter.

The partnership will see the technology used in the Foundation Early Years Development Pathway Programme (U9s-U12s) and in the ground-breaking state secondary school cricket programme, Breaking Boundaries to help aid player development.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Head of the Sussex Cricket Foundation “I am delighted to be partnering with Ludimos and working closely with Madan and Gareth to help add value to our programmes. The technology adds another exciting dimension to our programmes and will help with the development of players and coaches both in state schools and our pathway”

Matt Parsons, who leads both programmes added “Having played with the platform and its numerous features, Ludimos will easily allow us to not only create a data bank for all our young players over an extended period of time but allow us to provide more regular and visible feedback. This will not only help us track and support our young players better but equally help us to uncover previously untapped talent and support our efforts in broadening the reach of the game across the County.”

As part of the partnership, Ludimos will be offering their services to the Foundation's affiliated club network with a special offer that will see 10% of any club purchases reimbursed back to the Foundation to help support growth of cricket across Sussex.

Gareth Lautenberg who leads Ludimos’s growth added;

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Sussex Cricket Foundation. From the outset, it was clear there’s a strong commitment to innovation and widening access to cricket across the county. Bringing Ludimos into both the Early Years Development Pathway and the Breaking Boundaries programme is hugely exciting. Our platform supports coaches with simple, ball-by-ball insights and structured feedback. Together, we’re raising standards, supporting coaches and giving more young cricketers the opportunity to reach their potential.”

To learn more about Ludimos please visit their website - www.ludimos.com

To learn more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation please view their latest Impact Report and video - click here

Free Entry Days Return to Hove for 2026

Sussex Cricket is delighted to offer a further three FREE Vitality County Championship days of cricket for the forthcoming campaign season. 

Entry will be free of charge to all spectators on day three of our home matches at Hove with Warwickshire (12 April), Hampshire (21 June) and Somerset (29 August) 

Having opened the gates to thousands of spectators in years gone by, Sussex are once again making all tickets free of charge for three days of cricket this season.

Claiming your free tickets are easy: just visit our ticketing website now to grab yours. 

Please note: It is important you claim yours in advance, as this will help to reduce queues upon entry.

Sussex Cricket Announces Official Partnership with Ardingly College

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce a new partnership with Ardingly College, a collaboration designed to widen access to outstanding cricket facilities and opportunities for young people across the County. 

The partnership is built around a shared commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term growth, providing year-round access to high-quality cricket facilities for children from both state and independent education. 

It aims to remove historic barriers to participation and help create a more representative and sustainable future for the game in Sussex.

A key focus of the agreement is its support to the Sussex Cricket Foundation, where the outstanding facilities at Ardingly College will be used to host various events for state primary and secondary schools, as well as support ongoing programmes and initiatives to continue growing the game and making it accessible to all.

Central to the partnership is Ardingly College’s headline sponsorship and support for Blackstone Academy Cricket Ground, a vital hub for cricket in Sussex. 

Blackstone hosts a large proportion of the county’s junior pathway cricket for boys and girls, academy teams, Second XI cricket, and a wide range of grassroots, participation and disability cricket, underlining Sussex Cricket’s commitment to ensuring the game is accessible to all.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, “We are delighted to welcome Ardingly College to the Sussex Cricket family and as headline sponsors of our Academy Ground at Blackstone. This partnership will help support the development of cricket across the County for all ages, abilities and genders. We are particularly excited about the support it will provide to State Schools and our exciting plans to revolutionise cricket in primary and secondary schools”.

Ben Figgis, Headmaster at Ardingly College, “Our partnership with Sussex Cricket marks an exciting new chapter for cricket at Ardingly and builds on our long-standing relationship with the County club. Old Ardinian Tom Clark is the most recent cricketer in a long and distinguished line of former Ardingly students to represent Sussex, and we are proud of the strong connections that already exist between our communities. This new partnership will take that relationship to the next level.”

“This partnership also reflects the College’s firm commitment to developing our cricket programme for both boys and girls, supported by a team of professional cricket coaches and ongoing investment in enhanced facilities, including a fantastic new net facility. Importantly, this collaboration aligns with our aim to widen access and create meaningful cricketing opportunities for young people across Sussex.”

“We look forward to working closely with Sussex Cricket to strengthen pathways, nurture talent, and support the growth of the game at every level.”

The partnership comes into effect immediately and marks an exciting step forward for cricket across Sussex.

It's been a long winter. Yet as the sun slips through and the temperature rises, the thought of playing cricket again doesn't feel quite as unrealistic as previously thought. We're only a few weeks away until we host Kent in our opening pre-season fixture, but in countries far away a few Sussex representatives continue to play. It's March, it's Monday; the penultimate edition of Winter Watch is here.

Jofra Archer

Four weeks later, and we've reached the World Cup semi-finals. And it's a rather large beast that Archer and England will have to navigate if they are to reach Sunday's Final: India. 

But it's been a campaign that has seemed to improve with each passing game. Three victories from as many matches in the Super 8s phase of the competition, with Archer featuring throughout. Since the last Winter Watch they have beaten both Pakistan and New Zealand, with the Sussex quick taking two wickets but bowling particularly economically in both to help set up Thursday's semi-final with India (1.30pm GMT).

Anna Buckle

A final outing of the winter for Buckle, and she saved her most economical outing for it. A victory, too, in what has been a brilliantly successful winter for the seamer out in Sydney - culminating in a crushing win over Penrith.

Skittling the hosts for 100 in this One Day match, Buckle's seven overs with the ball went for just seven runs. Throw in a wicket as well and this was a performance of pure prominence and skill. She returns to England next weekend as preparations for our women's team begin to ramp up.

James Coles

Over in Abu Dhabi, Coles settled swiftly back into the England Lions setup, with some outstanding showings with both bat and ball in their opening four matches with Pakistan Shaheens. 

A 3-0 series win in the T20s, they then followed that up with a victory in the opening One Day match - the first of a scheduled five. However, due to the ongoing unrest in the area, yesterday's scheduled fixture was cancelled, with an unsurprising question mark looming over the rest of the series. 

And as Coles' winter may just have drawn to a close, it has been a quite remarkable few months for the all-rounder who'll return to Sussex soon ahead of the fresh County Championship campaign. 

Dan Hughes

It's been some time since our previous Dan Hughes update - who will be with us for the duration of this forthcoming season - following a successful stint in the BBL this winter. Since its conclusion he's been back playing at Eastern Suburbs, and he's earned some silverware in the process.

Lifting the First Grade Limited-Overs Cup, Hughes excelled with the bat: 141 from 124 deliveries. This was comfortably his finest stint in the middle this winter in what propelled his side to a 42-run win over Fairfield-Liverpool. Hughes will be landing in England soon ahead of the new season, and he arrives in fine form following a busy yet profitable winter in Australia.

Dan Ibrahim

A tricky outing last week was soon forgotten after Ibrahim batted resiliently for his Central HB side on Saturday, grinding out an unbeaten 56* albeit in defeat to Havelock North. With the ball he picked up a wicket, but it was his team's top score with the bat that ultimately gave Ibrahim the credit this past weekend.

George Thomas

A second defeat in a row for Thomas' Cornwall over in New Zealand, with the Sussex all-rounder opening the batting here in his side's loss to Napier Old Boys. 8 runs off the bat, he'd have heightened success with the ball this time around, picking up a wicket in his six-over spell. 

Update from Paul Farbrace

Last week, we sat down with Head Coach Paul Farbrace to discuss a difficult winter period. In this interview, he provides an in-depth view into our recent points deductions, an update on the squad, captaincy changes and a look ahead to forthcoming pre-season schedule. This can be viewed here on our YouTube channel.

Whilst on the topic of Sussex players abroad, a healthy-sized cohort have travelled to South Africa for some warm winter training. Having flown out last week, they will return in roughly 10 days ahead of our opening pre-season fixture on Thursday, 19 March.

Three Inspiring Days of Table Cricket Light Up Hove

Last month, the Sussex Cricket Foundation hosted three vibrant and action‑packed Table Cricket Festivals at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove, utilising both the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms and the Aerotron Indoor School to welcome participants from across the county.

Table Cricket is an adapted, inclusive format of the sport, which provides young people with disabilities the opportunity to play, compete and experience Cricket in an exciting and accessible way. Played on a table tennis table with teams of six, the game blends strategy, skill and teamwork. Bowlers deliver the ball using a ramp, towards the batter, who tries to hit into scoring zones while avoiding the fielders positioned around the table.

These festivals have become very special days in the Foundation’s calendar and always provide unforgettable memories for the participants and staff alike. This year’s events featured 120 participants made up of 18 teams from 12 SEND and ALN schools across Sussex.

Each festival day was structured to support participants with different levels of additional needs. Schools were grouped so that players could compete alongside others with similar support requirements, creating the best possible environment for enjoyment and success. With the first two days focused on neurodivergent participants and those with additional learning needs and the third day primarily for young people with physical disabilities who require the most complex support, helping to ensure that they could participate fully in a setting tailored to their needs.

Day 3 participants were also treated to a special visit from Paul Farbrace, Director of Cricket and Head Coach of the Sussex Men’s team!

Helping the days run smoothly were five young leaders, who supported the Foundation’s community coaching team with umpiring and scoring, developing their leadership skills along the way.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, this year saw the first‑ever use of our illuminated Table Cricket table, bringing a heightened sensory experience and more interactive feel to the festivals.

Tom Belcher, Disability Cricket Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: 

“It’s been a fantastic three days of competition, and everyones’ enthusiasm for the new illuminated table has been brilliant. A huge thank you to all the schools involved, and best of luck to the teams heading to the Regional Finals.”

After some hard-fought competition, three standout schools secured their places in the Lord’s Taverners Regional Finals. Congratulations to Shoreham Academy, Manor Green College and The Angmering School (Lavinia Norfolk Centre), who now go on to represent Sussex in March at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley.

Thank you to everyone who took part and good luck to all three teams as they progress to the next stage. 

If you would like to find out more about our Disability Cricket programmes and school provision available in the SEND and ALN sector, please contact: disabilitycricket@sussexcricket.co.uk or visit our website.

T20 Mascot Competition Returns for 2026

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce the return of our T20 Blast Mascot Competition for the 2026 season. This exciting opportunity gives young fans the chance to experience match day like never before and get closer to the action at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

This year’s competition is open exclusively for Sussex Sharks Men’s Vitality Blast fixtures, offering a unique once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience for our selected mascots to experience a Sharks match day.

What’s Included in the Mascot Experience?

Successful applicants will enjoy a memorable match day package, including:

• Sussex Cricket Goody Bag
• Sussex Sharks T20 shirt
• Meet‑and‑greet with a Sussex player
• Pitch‑side access to watch the team warm up
• Professional photos taken with players
• Join the captains for the official coin toss
• Take part in the guard of honour alongside our flagbearers

This is the perfect opportunity for young supporters to step into the heart of the action and create unforgettable memories.

How to Apply

Applications are now open. To be considered, please complete the online form: T20 Mascot Competition Form – Fill in form

Deadline for Entries

All applications must be submitted by Friday 27th March.

The Sussex Cricket Limited Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 24th March at 7.00pm, in the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms, at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

After the formal proceedings of the AGM have been concluded, there will be opportunity for Members to ask questions of Board Directors, Interim Chief Executive, Mark West and Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace.

A series of FAQs have been published these can be viewed HERE along with a letter from Mark West to members HERE.

Only Individual Members and Affiliated Club Members will be admitted to the AGM. Youth and Junior Members are entitled to attend the meeting but are NOT entitled to vote.

As a paid-up Member you should have already received the Audited Annual Accounts and the Report of the Board in the post earlier this week. These documents are also available online HERE. To view the draft minutes of the 2025 AGM please click HERE. A proposal to accept the minutes of the 2025 AGM will appear in the agenda.

There will also be an opportunity for members to join the AGM virtually if you are unable to attend the meeting in-person. If you wish to join virtually, we ask Members to register their interest HERE, stating their membership number by noon on Friday, 20th March 2026 at the latest. The joining details for the meeting will only be sent to members who have indicated their interest by the deadline and these will be sent by 2pm on Tuesday 24th March. If you have any issues with registering, please contact Louise Stone at louise.stone@sussexcricket.co.uk stating your membership number.

Sussex Cricket Limited welcomes any questions in advance of the AGM. These can be sent to Louise Stone, Executive Assistant, at louise.stone@sussexcricket.co.uk

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.

Statement from Martin Richards, Acting Chair of Sussex Cricket.

Glenn Douglas has resigned from the Board of Sussex Cricket with immediate effect.

Glenn joined the Board in September 2024 as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and brought with him significant experience from a distinguished career in public service, alongside a long-standing personal commitment to Sussex Cricket as a Life Member. He has given significant time and energy to the Club during a demanding period.

Glenn and I share a background in senior public service leadership and a passion for Sussex Cricket, and I am grateful for the time he has given to the Board. On behalf of the Club, I thank him for his service.

As we continue to strengthen our governance and financial oversight, our focus remains firmly on ensuring stability, transparency and long-term sustainability for Sussex Cricket.