New Sussex Cricket Roadshow dates
Sussex Cricket Roadshows a Massive Hit
Sussex Cricket recently took to the road, visiting four local cricket clubs and hosting a special Roadshow at The 1st Central County Ground, to give cricket fans, volunteers and participants the opportunity to hear directly from staff, professional players and Men’s Head Coach and Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace.
The Roadshows were a fantastic opportunity for Sussex Cricket to further strengthen its relationship with the local recreational game and communities, with over 100 people attending in total across the five dates.
A number of stakeholders took to the road to visit Ifield CC, Ansty CC, Buxted CC and West Wittering CC.
Guests participated in Q&A sessions with the likes of Tom Alsop, John Simpson, Tom Clark and Tom Haines, with a number of key local stakeholders also in attendance, such as Active Sussex and Brighton & Hove City Council.
Those in attendance also had the opportunity to partake in live voting on the key challenges and priorities that Sussex Cricket face in the coming seasons.
Gary Wallis-Tayler (Community Cricket Director), Pete Fitzboydon (Chief Executive) and Jon Filby (Chair) also provided updates on a number of important areas across the business.
Pete Fitzboydon gave an insight into the new Sussex Cricket strategy, with Jon Filby discussing matters such as the domestic cricket schedule and the future of Women’s cricket.
Gary Wallis-Tayler, supported by a variety of members of the Sussex Cricket Foundation team, gave updates on the organisation’s recent impact in the local community and its priorities moving into 2025.
New Sussex Cricket Roadshow Dates
The good news is that Sussex Cricket will once again be back on the road in 2025. Sussex Cricket will be visiting Littlehampton CC and Eastbourne CC in February. Please note: you do not need to be associated to either club to attend, the invite is open to everyone!
Littlehampton CC | Wednesday 5th February | 7pm – 930pm
Eastbourne CC | Tuesday 11th February | 7 – 930pm
To register your place, please click here and fill in the form.
Remembering Mark Burchell
Remebering Mark Burchell | 1964 - 2024
It is with great regret that Sussex Sharks Visually Impaired CC must advise of the death of Mark “Big Bad” Burchell.
Known to all as Burch, Burchie or “big bad", Mark made his debut for the Sharks in 2004 in a game away to RNC. His first act was with the bat, driving the first ball he received back over the bowler’s head for 6.
In his modest and understated way it was a game or two before he ventured “I can bowl a bit”. Thus began his career which would see him known as one of the most fearsome bowlers of a generation.
If you didn't have the privilege of seeing him bowl he generated incredible bounce as well as sharp pace, which many found too hot to handle.
His best game for the Sharks was probably the 2014 Cup Final against Somerset. With the Sharks reeling at 124-7, Burch came in at number 9 and shared a 53-run partnership to haul us up to a competitive total of 193.
He then took 2 wickets for 18 runs, knocking over two of Somerset’s top four batsmen and restricting their scoring, which would ultimately win us the game.
He made 81 appearances between 2004 and 2015 claiming 91 wickets and scoring just over 300 runs accumulated in many cameos towards the end of an innings.
Anyone who knew Mark might have been confused as to how he had been given the moniker of “big bad”.
Whilst he was certainly big at 6ft 4 and “sturdy”, he was one of the nicest men you will ever meet. The origin of the name was a training session where a young lad aged about 14 had turned up to try the game and Mark managed to hit him on the head and upper body 3 or 4 times.
Just his natural bounce but of course we were never going to let that get in the way. The young lad then had a bowl at Burch who promptly belted him absolute miles…..and then made the lad go and get the ball stating that “his legs are younger than mine and look at him run, he is loving it” and thus the “big bad” legend was born.
Even back in 2004, Burch explained he had “had a touch of colon cancer, but am ok now”.
Sadly the big C continued to stalk him and at one point he joked with me: “I probably have fewer organs left than they have had to take out but I feel fine in myself”.
Despite being forced to retire Mark was forever a Shark and we spoke with him after most games with us giving him the blow by blow account of the game and of course any related tomfoolery that never made any formal match report.
Wonderfully Mark was able to join us back in May at the 1st Central County Ground to watch the cup final.
Whilst physically a shadow of his former self, his wit and charm shone through and we were all delighted to have him there to share the day. When I spoke with him after the game he was so touched that he had been made to feel like he had never been away.
Andy Dalby-Welsh, former Sharks captain: "Burchy was a great man and a great club man. Sussex through and through.
He was an absolute pleasure to captain during my time, he would always take his joy from other people’s achievements with a real sense of pride for them even when he was facing his incredibly challenging health battles."
After battling cancer for over 20 years sadly Marks final innings closed on New Years eve forever a Shark and he will be deeply missed.
One of our own, Mark “big bad Burchell 4th November 1964 – 31st December 2024) R.I.P
Ian "Tiny" Morris
Sussex stars pay visit to local schools
Sussex Stars Take to the Road to Visit Local Schools
Before the end of 2024 the Sussex Cricket Foundation organised for several of the Sussex Men’s first team squad to visit two state secondary schools, with whom the Foundation are working with this academic year, as part of the Chance to Shine Secondary School Girls Programme.
Priory School, Lewes had Sussex duo, Charlie Tear and Zac Lion-Cachet attend the school, where, along with a couple of the Sussex Cricket Foundation coaches, they delivered a coaching session for over 40 students and finished off with a Q&A, where some interesting questions were asked by the students!
A week later, Blatchington Mill School held a coaching session for 21 of their girls and 15 of their boys with the Foundation coaches, plus Fynn Hudson-Prentice getting involved with the coaching and getting very competitive when it came to a catching competition with the girls. After the coaching session the students and Fynn headed into the warmth, where the school provided hot chocolate and mince pies for everyone to enjoy, whilst asking some excellent questions for Fynn to answer.
Anthony Whittington, PE teacher at Blatchington Mill said: “Our students had a fantastic two hours with the Sussex Cricket Foundation coaches and Fynn Hudson-Prentice.
"The cricket session was fun and really enjoyable. It called on all the skills our players have learnt whilst playing the game. It has definitely given them the 'bug' to start playing and training again.
"So much so that nets start straight after the Christmas break and right through the summer. A lot of our girls haven't played since last summer, so it was great to get them back in the swing of things.
"Fynn was brilliant with the students, joining in with the session and then being very honest and open in the Q&A after.
"He was a credit to Sussex Cricket and we thank them for allowing him to give an insight into the professional game and his career. It would have inspired a lot of our cricketers.”
Sussex Women & Girls Development Officer, Charlotte Burton said: “It was great to have some of the players attend a couple of the state schools we are working with through Chance to Shine this year.
"Firstly, to get involved in some of the coaching and share their knowledge. Secondly, to talk about the County Championship Division 2 win, but also what it is like to be a professional cricketer and inspire the next generation of boys and girls into cricket”.
To find out more about your school getting involved in the Chance to Shine Secondary School Girls programme in the future, please visit the Foundation's website and get in touch with the Foundation team.
T20 Blast Ticket Priority Window Information
T20 Blast Ticket Priority Window Information
We are delighted to announce that from tomorrow Sussex Members will be able to purchase individual match tickets for both the Sussex Sharks Men's and Women's T20 competitions this year. Members will have from 10am tomorrow to purchase individual tickets, before previous Blast ticket purchasers in 2024 will get their opportunity, followed by Blast ticket purchasers from 2023.
As well as securing your seat before anybody else, you'll save money by purchasing your tickets at the Early Bird prices!
Full Blast Priority Window Schedule:
Tuesday 7th January - Sussex Cricket Members
Tuesday 14th January - Blast ticket purchasers from 2024
Tuesday 21st January - Blast ticket purchasers from 2023
Tickets will then go on general sale to the public from Wednesday 19th February.
Sussex Members and previous ticket purchasers will be emailed directly with instructions on how to purchase tickets. Alternatively, you can head straight to the ticketing website to purchase yours during the correct window.
Alexia Walker appointed Head Coach of Tier 2 Sussex Women
Alexia Walker Appointed Head Coach of Tier 2 Sussex Women
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Alexia Walker has been appointed as the permanent Head Coach of the Tier 2 Sussex Women’s team.
A number of candidates were interviewed, with the process headed up by Paul Farbrace, who will now take up the role of Director of Cricket at Sussex, whilst maintaining his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First-Team.
A former Sussex player from 1998-2015, Walker had previously led the Sussex Women’s team on a part-time basis but will now take up the job full-time from 1st March 2025, leaving her role as Director of Cricket at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy.
Walker previously won 5 domestic trophies with the team since 2019 and has also overseen the development of a number of international players including Georgia Adams, Mary Taylor, Millie Taylor and Tara Norris.
Speaking on the decision to appoint Alexia on a permanent basis, Paul Farbrace said: “We are delighted Alexia has decided to take this role full-time and have the opportunity to really drive things forward for Sussex Cricket.
“Alexia has already achieved so much in the game, across both the mend and women’s game.
“She will be a huge asset to all things Sussex cricket going forwards.
Alexia Walker, added: “I am thrilled to be taking on a full time role at Sussex Cricket.
"Having been associated with the club as a player, coach and supporter for over 30 years, I feel very privileged to be involved fully in the new phase in the evolution of women’s cricket.
"It’s never been a more exciting time to be a female player and I know Sussex are very ambitious about continuing our successes on the pitch and development of the next England players.
"I will be sad to leave BACA having overseen its development into the state school of choice for Sussex Cricket but it plays such an important role in the development of young players in the county, I know I will be a regular supporter and visitor.”
Fred Bridges and Liam O'Brien selected for England
Fred Bridges and Liam O'Brien Selected for England
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Fred Bridges and Liam O'Brien have both been selected for the England Men's Physically Disabled quad series against Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.
O'Brien and Bridges are just two of Sussex's outstanding disability cricketers who have developed through the Club's extremely successful disability cricket programme, with Bridges also working as a Community Coach for the Sussex Cricket Foundation.
All fixtures on the tour take place throughout January 2025. Congratulations, Liam and Fred! #GOSBTS
To read the full ECB squad announcement, please click here.
James Coles selected for England Lions tour of Australia
James Coles Selected for England Lions Tour of Australia
Sussex allrounder James Coles has been selected for the England Lions tour of Australia in January 2025.
Coles was recently part of the touring squad that travelled to South Africa alongside Sussex fast-bowler Henry Crocombe. The England Lions team will feature in two four-day games, as well as a first-class test against Australia A. Congratulations, James! #GOSBTS
Full ECB Release
England Men’s Lions Announce Squad for Australia Tour
England Men’s Lions have confirmed a 16-player squad for their upcoming tour of Australia in January.
The England A tour features two four-day matches against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane, followed by a first-class Test against Australia A in Sydney.
England Men’s Lions Squad:
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
Pat Brown (Derbyshire)
James Coles (Sussex)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Alex Davies (Warwickshire)
Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire)
Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
Tom Lawes (Surrey)
Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
James Rew (Somerset)
Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire)
Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
John Turner (Hampshire)
The squad includes five players – Shoaib Bashir, Pat Brown, Tom Hartley, Josh Tongue and John Turner – who have all represented England at senior level.
Following strong domestic campaigns in the County Championship, Essex seamer Sam Cook, Warwickshire top-order batter Alex Davies and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew bring valuable experience to the squad. Davies, 30, who took over the captaincy at Warwickshire last season, averaged over 50 in the Championship and amassed more than 1,000 runs, including four centuries.
A key figure in Essex’s bowling attack, Cook has been a regular in Lions squads in recent years. His consistent performances saw him take 43 Championship wickets in 2024 at an average of 17.30.
Rew, 20, continues to excel as a wicketkeeper-batter in Championship cricket. He recorded 45 dismissals in 2024 and averaged 36 with the bat, including two centuries.
Lancashire teenager Rocky Flintoff is a notable inclusion. The 16-year-old received a late call-up to the Lions squad earlier this month during the training camp in South Africa, where he featured in the four-day match against South Africa A. Flintoff impressed in domestic cricket last summer, making his professional debut for Lancashire and becoming a consistent performer for the England Young Lions over the past 12 months.
The squad will be coached by Andrew Flintoff, supported by Neil Killeen, Richard Dawson and Graeme Swann. Australian batting coach Trent Woodhill has also been brought in as a consultant for the tour.
England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said:
“We have rewarded players who have proven themselves at this level and those with significant potential. Matches and tours of Australia are always important and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This tour allows us to evaluate performances, refine preparation and continue working with some of the best emerging talent in the country.
“I’m also delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to competitive cricket. Josh has had a challenging time with injuries but is progressing well and will benefit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. We hope this marks the start of a prosperous and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025.
“Josh Hull continues his rehabilitation from injury and will travel with the squad as part of his development and return-to-bowling programme.”
The tour party departs on 3 January.
England Lions Tour Schedule:
Four-day match: Cricket Australia XI v England Lions, 14-17 January 2025, Shaw Park, Brisbane
Four-day match: Cricket Australia XI v England Lions, 22-25 January 2025, AB Field, Brisbane
Unofficial Four-day Test: Australia A v England Lions, 30 January – 2 February 2025, Cricket Central, Olympic Park, Sydney
Tom Haines signs contract extension
Tom Haines Signs Contract Extension
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Tom Haines has signed a contract extension with the Club.
The new deal will see the left-handed opener stay with Sussex until at least the end of 2027.
A product of the Sussex Cricket Pathway, Haines made his First-Class debut for Sussex at just 17 years of age and has gone on to amass 4430 First-Class runs.
In 2024 he scored 819 runs at an average of 40.95, including three centuries and two half-centuries, helping to secure the County Championship Division Two title.
As well as providing runs at the top of the Sussex order, Haines has provided an extra bowling option and has picked up 26 First-Class wickets.
Speaking on the new deal, Haines said: “I’m really pleased to have signed a new contract. It was great to be scoring runs last year and helping the team win Division Two.
"The club is going in a good direction and I am looking forward to the next few seasons which can hopefully bring some more silverware.
Sussex Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, added: “I am delighted Tom has committed the next three years at least to the club, he epitomised everything good about the improvement the team has made over the last two seasons.
“He is a top-class player who has a huge influence in the group and has really driven the standards.
“Not only is he an excellent opening batter but his catching at slip has been outstanding.
“I’m really looking forward to watching Tom continue to set the tone in Division One.”
Buy Your 2025 Sussex Membership Today
Sussex will be back in the top Division of the County Championship in 2025 and with the fixtures released, now is the time to secure your Membership and start planning your summer at The 1st Central County Ground.
Memberships include a seat at every County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup game in 2025.
Click here to explore the different Membership options.
Applications open for Men's trials
Sussex Cricket Men's Trials - Applications Open
Applications for Sussex Cricket’s Men’s trials day at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove on Wednesday 29th January are now open.
Applications are for any uncontracted players that feel they have the skills required to play professional cricket at a first class level.
Applicants should send their cricketing CV plus full statistics for the 2024 season to colin.bowley@sussexcricket.co.uk by Friday 3rd January 2025 at the latest.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the trial and given full details of the day.
Triallists MUST be in possession of a British or EU passport, a copy of which should be brought on the day.
Win an original painting of The 1st Central County Ground
Win an Original Painting of The 1st Central County Ground
Sussex Cricket Foundation are running a raffle to own an original one-off painting depicting The 1st Central County Ground, Hove (Dimensions 100cm x 50cm) by local artist Nate Cordery.
This a fantastic opportunity for Sussex Cricket fans to not only own this beautiful painting but also to support the amazing work the Sussex Cricket Foundation does across the county.
Raffle tickets are £10 entry and the winner will be presented with the painting at The 1st Central County Ground during the 2025 season.
There are also 50 limited edition prints (50cm x 25xcm) available to purchase, either framed or unframed.
To purchase your raffle ticket or a limited edition print* please do so here.
If you have any questions please contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk
*please note framed prints will not be available until the New Year.
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