We're into February now, and cricket returns to Hove next month. As a result, our Winter Watch series nears the close. Yet there remains a few Sharks still claiming wickets and scoring runs across distant waters, and we'll start in Sri Lanka where the T20 World Cup nears its beginning.

Jofra Archer

Perhaps a surprise pick in the World Cup squad following his injury during the Ashes, but to England's benefit nonetheless as Archer heads over to Asia. And it's been a bright start in the warm-up matches against Sri Lanka, with England winning both on the DL. 

Archer's looked in good touch, too, taking two wickets in the second warm-up game after bowling economically in the opener. A strong start, and an exciting tournament ahead for Archer and England with their opening match against Nepal on Sunday, 8th February at 9.30am GMT. The final warm-up with Sri Lanka takes place today, at 1.30pm GMT.

Anna Buckle

Buckle's time in Australia this winter has been long and prosperous, building up a wealth of confidence ahead of a big season with Sussex. Whilst the result went the way of the opposition, Buckle impressed in her nine-over spell, taking a wicket and going for 36 runs. 17 runs with the bat, too, to further embellish the outing against Paramatta at the recent weekend.

Oli Carter

There's a few matches to catch up on for Carter who, following a mini break with Sturt, has since resumed in fine fettle. In three of the four innings, he's recorded scores of 79, 50 and 86 - the latter of which came from just 95 deliveries and featured four sixes. A positive January for the wicket-keeper batter, who returns to Sussex soon in good stead ahead of the season's commencement.

James Coles

No statistics to share, but a gentle reminder of Coles' call-up to the England Lions squad for the forthcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens. The first match will be on Friday, 20 February and conclude on Monday, 9 March. The schedule includes three T20 matches and five 50-over matches.

Brad Currie

With Bangladesh's withdrawal from the World Cup, it opens the door for Currie and his Scotland side as they enter the tournament. They've had a warm-up game, and Currie impressed against Afghanistan, albeit ending in defeat. Figures of 4-0-19-1 puts him in fine stead heading into Saturday's opener with West Indies, but they've one more warm-up to play tomorrow against Namibia before the competition commences. 

Dan Ibrahim

Wintering well in New Zealand, it wasn't to be Ibrahim's finest outing with the bat in both of the outings we're to report on, but he picked up a couple of wickets in his side's five wicket win over Napier Old Boys before taking the lone wicket in defeat to George Thomas' Cornwall a week later.

George Thomas

And coming swiftly onto Thomas, last week's performance was another outstanding showing with bat and ball, blasting 73* from 47 deliveries in a nine-wicket victory over Ibrahim's Central Hawkes Bay. Taking a wicket, too, it's been a similarly excellent stint in New Zealand for Thomas who soon returns to England full of confidence ahead of the fresh campaign.

Alfie Pyle, Jake Vosloo and Liam O'Brien

An experience to remember for our Sussex trio, who have been making history over in India as part of a five-match IT20 series - England Disability's first overseas tour after a successful trial home series this summer.

Three games in, and England have claimed two wins so far, with Pyle, O'Brien and Vosloo all impressing - the latter recently making history by becoming the youngest ever disability cricketer to represent England. He has since become England's youngest ever disability cricketer to take a wicket. 

They're back in action tomorrow, with the final match of the Series taking place on Friday, 6th February. You can keep up to date here.

Sussex Cricket is profoundly saddened to announce the death, on Sunday 1 February, of Tony Pigott at the age of the 67, in Tunbridge Wells following a heart attack.

Anthony Charles Shackleton “Lester” Pigott was a distant relative of the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. He was born in Fulham in 1958 and went to Harrow School before joining the staff at Sussex County Cricket Club in 1977. The following year he made his debut against Surrey when he took his first three first class wickets in a hat trick. A unique achievement and one that befitted his remarkable character. He was an ebullient cricketer, bowled quickly and hit the ball hard as a lower order batsman and always gave of his very best for the team in pursuit of victory. In 1984 he made his single Test match appearance for England against New Zealand in Christchurch, again typically, postponing his wedding in order to play for his country. Tony left Sussex to join Surrey in 1994, seeking a fresh challenge but he was dogged by back injuries and became second team coach in 1996, with the intention of starting a second career in coaching.

But, in the same year, he played a crucial role in the Revolution which saw the committee replaced and in 1997 he was appointed as Chief Executive of his beloved Sussex County Cricket Club, a role in which he made a huge impact. He was energetic, ambitious and optimistic and these qualities led not only to Hove becoming the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights but more importantly to creating the culture that led to the Golden Age of Sussex Cricket and the first County Championship win in 2003. 

Chris Adams, on hearing of Tony’s death, said ‘Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club. An incredibly sad day for his family, the Sussex family and indeed the broader family of cricket. Personally, Tony played an enormous part in moulding my life for the better and was the number one reason I signed for Sussex in 1998. A really loveable, glass half full character who will be missed dearly by many. Thank you ‘Lester’ for everything you did for Sussex CCC, the 2003 Championship in my eyes will always be dedicated to you and the brave few who stood up and were counted in 1997.”

After leaving his role as CEO in 1999 Tony went on to a variety of roles in cricket and was a frequent visitor to Hove both as a Pitch Inspector and a Match Referee. Despite being dogged by ill health, Tony retained his enthusiastic approach to life and in November 2025 published his memoirs “Lester and the Deckchair Revolution” which have been much enjoyed by all who read them. Indeed, he was due to visit the ground at Hove on Saturday 7 February to talk to the members of the Cricket Memorabilia Society and a number of events to promote his book were being arranged for the start of the season. He will be sorely missed by all of us at Sussex Cricket and by all his friends in the game. As Ian Gould said this morning, “It's terribly sad. Lester was one of the world’s great characters”.

Jake Vosloo Etches His Name Into the Record Books

Sussex spinner Jake Vosloo made history today when he became the youngest ever disability cricketer to represent England.

Vosloo made his debut in a seven-wicket defeat to India, the first of a five-game IT20 series. Sussex's Alfie Pyle also represented the three lions taking two of the three Indian wickets, with Brighton-based Liam O'Brien also featuring.

O'Brien (55) shared a 101-run partnership with Callum Flynn, as England set the hosts a tricky target of 174. England failed to apply the pressure needed with the ball, with India eventually running out victors. 

To see the full list of fixtures and read the match report, please click here. 

James Coles Selected for England Lions

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that James Coles has been called up to the England Lions' T20 and 50-over squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens. 

Congratulations, Colesy! #GOSBTS

Full ECB Release:

Cox and Mousley to captain England Lions in UAE

Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley will captain the England Lions’ T20 and 50-over squads respectively during next month’s white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates.

The selectors have named a 17-player squad for the three-match T20 series, with a 16-player squad announced for the five 50-over matches.

T20 squad
Jordan Cox (Essex - captain)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Luc Benkenstein (Essex)
James Coles (Sussex)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Scott Currie (Hampshire)
Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Tom Moores (Nottinghamshire)
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
Matt Revis (Yorkshire)
Will Smeed (Somerset)
Nathan Sowter (Durham)
Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
  
50-over squad
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire – captain)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Luc Benkenstein (Essex)
Sam Cook (Essex)
James Coles (Sussex)
Scott Currie (Hampshire)
Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire)
Matthew Potts (Durham)
Matt Revis (Yorkshire)
James Rew (Somerset)
Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
James Wharton (Yorkshire)
  
ECB Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “It’s exciting to have such a strong England Lions squad selected. This group brings a real blend of proven performers, exciting talent who have performed over the winter and retains an eye on future best.
“With limited 50-over cricket on offer, this series combined with tours over the remainder of 2026 will give players the opportunity to develop and deliver as we build towards the 2027 ICC Men's World Cup in South Africa.”
England Lions Head Coach Andrew Flintoff will lead a coaching staff that will include Troy Cooley’s first tour since returning to the ECB as Men's Elite National Pace Bowling Lead. The coaching team – which will attend either all or part of the tour – includes Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, Moeen Ali, Amar Rashid and Ben Stokes.
The tour will be the first time that England Lions have played an away white-ball series since they travelled to Sri Lanka in February 2022. The Lions will also host South Africa A and Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket this summer with white-ball tours also planned for next winter.
ends
  
Tour schedule – England Lions v Pakistan Shaheens
1st T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 20 February 2026
2nd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 22 February 2026
3rd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Tuesday 24 February 2026
1st 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 27 February 2026
2nd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 1 March 2026
3rd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Wednesday 4 March 2026
4th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 6 March 2026
5th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Monday 9 March 2026
ends

Following the news that Scotland have received a late call-up to the T20 World Cup following Bangladesh's decision not to play, Sussex bowler Brad Currie will now take part in the competition which begins on Saturday, 7th February. Charlie Tear is a non-travelling reserve.

Scotland's opening match of the tournament will be on the opening day, as they play West Indies in Group C's curtain raiser. Also in their group is England, Italy and Nepal.

We wish Brad and Charlie all the very best of luck over the coming weeks.

An Evening with Sussex Cricket

Sussex Cricket is going on the road again this winter, visiting schools in 2026 with a series of special roadshow events titled “An Evening with Sussex Cricket.” 

These sessions will feature players from the Men’s, Women’s, and Disability teams - alongside key figures including Mark West - Interim CEO, Paul Farbrace - Director of Cricket and Gary Wallis-Tayler - Head of Foundation.

The evenings will offer supporters, clubs, players, parents and the wider Sussex Cricket community a unique opportunity to hear insights on the future of Cricket in Sussex and plans for the year ahead. You will hear a look ahead to the new season and our plans for State School Cricket through the Breaking Boundaries programme.

Each event will run from 7pm to 9pm, providing an engaging mix of discussion and interaction.

Confirmed Dates & Venues:

Sussex Cricket is sad to hear of the death of Norman Gifford on 19th January.

After a very successful playing career with Worcestershire, Warwickshire and England, Norman was Head Coach and subsequently Cricket Manager of Sussex County Cricket Club from 1989 to 1995.

He is fondly remembered by all at Sussex as one of the great bowlers of his era and as a man with deep passion for cricket and for passing on his huge knowledge of the game to others.

The thoughts of all at Sussex Cricket are with Norman’s family and his friends across the game, but especially at Worcestershire and Warwickshire County Cricket Clubs.

Sussex Cricket Announces Men’s Captains for the 2026 Season

Sussex Cricket is delighted to confirm the captains for its Men’s teams across all formats for the 2026 season.

Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace has announced that John Simpson will continue in his role as Club Captain, while several changes have been made to the leadership structure across the different formats.

Ollie Robinson will captain the Men’s team in the County Championship, with Tom Haines appointed as Vice-Captain. This will mark Robinson’s first appointment as a full-time captain, while Haines brings valuable leadership experience, having taken on the role during the 2022 season.

On his call-up to captaincy, Ollie Robinson said: “It’s a huge honour to be named captain of Sussex for four-day cricket. 

I’m incredibly passionate about helping take Sussex back to the Division One title, and that ambition drives everything I do. 

"We have a talented, committed group, and my focus will be on setting high standards on and off the field, playing positive cricket, and giving ourselves the best chance to compete consistently at the highest level.”

Sussex Sharks legend Tymal Mills will once again lead the side in T20 cricket, while Jack Carson has been named captain for the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

Jack Carson spoke of his pride at being selected to lead the 50-over Men’s team: “I’m really honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Sussex in the One Day Cup this year.

To captain this great club in any format is a massive privilege and one I won’t take for granted. 

It’s a great opportunity for us to compete for a trophy while also exposing some more players to first team cricket. I’m extremely excited about the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”

Speaking on the announcement, Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace said: “I am delighted that after a complete review of all cricket matters relating to the professional Men's team, we concluded it was a good time to make sure we had all bases covered regarding captaincy, for the immediate season and also working towards future leadership.”

“John Simpson has shown not only a very high level of skill on the field, but equally has shown his leadership skills on and off the field, and this is the perfect time for him to take on a wider role at the club, which will involve mentoring Jack Carson and also working closely with the other two captains, and acting as a hybrid between the coaches and the players”, he continued.

“Ollie Robinson has shown in the past he is a very good captain, with an excellent cricket brain, and he will lead the Championship team for the coming season, supported by Tom Haines, and this we believe is the best leadership combination to help us achieve our goal of competing to win the County Championship.

“Tymal continues into his third year of leading the T20 Blast team, he has shown a real passion for being captain and setting great examples on and off the field, and we are all excited that he is driven to push the team towards another Finals Day appearance at Edgbaston with the view of winning the Blast this season.

“Jack Carson is starting out on his journey as a captain and has shown by actions as much as words he is a future leader of this club, and this is the right time to allow him to develop as a captain and lead the One Day Cup team. 

“This is a very exciting season for the current squad, and we are delighted that we have such capable, determined and skilful leaders, who have a real passion for their roles and are driven to help this club succeed and make our members and supporters proud of their team.”

Become a Sussex Cricket Member

We are delighted to announce that Sussex Memberships are now on general sale.

And new for 2026 is our Sussex Under 25s Membership that offers all the same benefits of a Sussex Membership, at half the price!

A Sussex Membership is your ticket to every Men's County Championship match at Hove, as well as a seat at every Men's and Women's home One Day Cup match throughout the summer of 2026. 

Find out more about joining Sussex by the Sea: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/2026-membership 

T20 Vitality Blast - Priority Access Information

The registration window for access to priority Super Early Bird tickets for 2026 Vitality T20 Blast matches has now expired.

If you're a Sussex Cricket Member, or you have previously purchased tickets to a T20 match in 2025 at Hove, you'll automatically be given access to the Priority Window to purchase your tickets to individual games. 

If you completed the priority registration form, are a Sussex Cricket member or if you purchased tickets to a T20 match in Hove during the 2025 season, you'll be invited by email to purchase your tickets between February 4th and 17th at Super Early Bird prices.