Day two, and another fine one it was on the Sussex coastline, until it wasn't. Azure blue skies dominated above as the host’s batters glistened below. Tom Haines and Oli Carter picked up from where they left off a day prior, and James Coles was imperious towards the end of his side’s turn with the bat. Then the fog rolled in and this one was called early, but not without a strong Sussex showing against Surrey.

The proper stuff is almost here – just over a week until Paul Farbrace’s side journey to the midlands for their first taste of Division One cricket in 10 years. If the past two days are anything to go by, Sussex will be at home in the division above. And they’ve still got Jayden Seales to return and further bolster the seam attack.

But with the bat is where Sussex have looked strongest thus far. Pre-season may not quite possess the pomp or weight of the County Championship, yet this was a good test against a fierce bowling attack. Yesterday spotlighted the supreme qualities Tom Haines possesses: the patience mixed with the power. His repertoire of shots is supreme, and one can perhaps hear the distant door of Brendon McCullum being knocked just a little louder. But this was the morning of Carter, and what a fine innings it was.

After 225 minutes at the crease Carter was able to loft his bat high, reaching his ton before holing out to mid-off for 102. A knock of that class and charisma will do him as he prepares for a step up, and here he oozed brilliance. Haines was the first to go, though, bowled by Daniel Lawrence for 88 runs. That Sussex top order is in fine stead as April approaches.

Tom Clark made a useful 40 off almost as many deliveries, ultimately bowled by a Arafat Bhuiyan beauty. There was little the batter as the ball inexorably upended his off-stump. Matthew Fisher joined the bowling fray, swiftly dismissing John Simpson and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, who both departed without scoring. 

But the score kept growing, chiefly through James Coles’ hard yet measured hitting. He’d be the lone Sussex batter to retire having slammed 56 from 54 balls, and the tally would climb to 389 at the declaration. Danny Lamb, Jack Carson and George Thomas all chipping in to prop the score near to the 400-mark – 29 runs greater than Surrey’s 360. Yousef Majid the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for an albeit expensive 76 runs from his 15 overs with the ball.

So, time for one more change. Not just on the field, for as soon as Dom Sibley and Ryan Patel headed down the steps the famous coastal fog billowed in from the south, enshrouding those in white on the luscious turf. A reality check for those in t-shirts, March is still very much here. But through the haze the opening pair were resolute. Both had fallen early yesterday, but they returned with a renewed adroitness. They are both excellent batters after all.

Shortly after 4pm the umpires flicked the bails off for bad light. What a contrast to the hour previous. That was to be it, as the thick fog continue to encase a now gloomy Hove. But after this short match there are positives to take as April 4 draws nearer, especially with the bat Sussex were strong here. Up against the best batting team in the country, the bowlers can take solace, too. And then we pause before a weekend of cricket at Hove as Hampshire shift along the coast before Edgbaston pulls closer. It simply can’t come soon enough. 

As the sun sunk over Hove Sussex’s late surge with the bat brought this pre-season friendly into the balance on the first day of this pre-season friendly with Surrey. 

It all started rather well, too: Dom Sibley’s off-stump sent cartwheeling off the bowling of Henry Crocombe. It was a leave that the former England opener won’t be in a rush to re-visit, though for the pocket of supporters whose long-awaited return to Hove finally arrived, it was the perfect welcome back.

Ollie Robinson was tossed the ball from an early stage and he was economical throughout. There is something just so pure and effortless about the way he bowls. He’d finish the day with strong figures, though went without taking a wicket. That’s fine, for Danny Lamb collected the wickets of Rory Burns and Ryan Patel. Perhaps both got out to shots that won’t be seen in a week’s time, though they still arrived at a crucial time here.

At 62-3 Surrey were flagging. It had been a relentless opening hour with the ball in Sussex’s hands, yet the arrival of Dan Lawrence and Ben Foakes to the crease. The Sussex bowling cohort had impressed in their opening two warm-ups in neighbouring Hampshire and Kent, but this was to prove a tough test against some of the finest batters this country has to offer. Here, it was all Lawrence and Ben. At the sun’s peak these two were glorious to watch: patient, yet ruthless.

A 201-run partnership ended only by Lawrence’s retirement. Foakes would soon follow him, both recording fine centuries without losing their wicket. James Coles may have been expensive in his short five-over spell – the fledgling Ollie Sykes blasting a mesmeric 32 from his final over – though he did take the scalp of Matthew Fisher before he could properly move through the gears. 

At the brief pause Surrey’s 60 overs had accumulated 358 runs for the loss of four wickets. A period that just seemed to slip away from the host’s bowling attack. Sean Hunt, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Clark all had prolonged periods with the leather in hand, though they were powerless to pressure placed on them by Surrey’s middle order.

And so, the switch around. 30 overs for Sussex to face in the final period of the day, and it went about as well as it possibly could have. Tom Haines came striding down the steps alongside Oli Carter, and both would stay for the duration. A quiet start it was, Joe Worral was typically metronomical: six overs spurning six runs. There were no wickets to be had out there, as the opening combination just got better as the afternoon progressed. Haines was at his best here, confidently swiping Nathan Barnwell and Fisher to all corners of Hove.

10 minutes prior to 6pm and Sussex had reached 100: Haines holding his bat just a bit higher than his partner in Carter having clinched his 50 from 65 deliveries. They’d carry on to 115/0 at the close of play, with those that remained the duration perfectly satisfied with what they had just seen. Cricket is officially back, and it’s here to stay.

Sussex Cricket Becomes First Cricket Club to Implement Digital Crisis Intervention Tool R;pple

Sussex Cricket has become the first cricket club to deploy R;pple, reinforcing its commitment to employee mental health and suicide prevention.

Sussex Cricket, the oldest professional sports club in the world and one of the eighteen first-class domestic county clubs within England and Wales, has announced the deployment of the R;pple browser extension across all staff computers, providing an extra layer of online protection for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

R;pple is an award-winning digital crisis intervention tool designed to intercept distressing internet searches related to suicide and self-harm. When a user searches for harmful content, R;pple discreetly intervenes, guiding them through a breathing exercise and signposting to free, 24/7 mental health support services and resources.

R;pple was founded by Alice Hendy MBE after she tragically lost her brother Josh to suicide at 21 years old. Josh had been researching techniques to take his own life through harmful internet searches. To date, the R;pple tool has over 1.9 million weekly active users across 49 countries and territories and has intercepted more than 100,000 harmful searches, saving countless lives to suicide. 

Sussex Cricket’s partnership with R;pple strengthens the club’s ongoing commitment to mental well-being, reinforcing a culture of safety, support, and proactive intervention.

Pete Fitzboydon, CEO of Sussex Cricket, commented: “The subject of mental health and suicide prevention is a subject very close to my heart, having lost my only brother in 2017. As such, I am committed to doing whatever we can to help those in need of support, which is so often hidden to even the closest friends, family and colleagues. 

"At Sussex Cricket we have a proud history of pioneering new initiatives and embracing innovation. Integrating R;pple into our existing mental health initiatives is a significant step in our mission to support the well-being of our staff. Deploying R;pple across our workstations creates a real safety net, ensuring that immediate support is available to anyone in need. We are proud to partner with R;pple on their vital mission to save lives and hope that our example will encourage other cricket clubs to follow suit.”

Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple Founder and CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sussex Cricket Club as the very first cricket club to deploy R;pple. This partnership is particularly poignant for me, as Pete Fitzboydon is a fellow sibling who has also lost his brother to suicide. Although neither of us wanted to be a part of this group, it’s of comfort to know that our efforts will help to support others in their moment of crisis. I’m incredibly grateful to Pete, Sam Holder, and the team at Sussex Cricket for leading the way and being proactive in this important area to support their staff, team, and fanbase with their mental health.”

Sixes Party Cricket to Open at the Home of Sussex Cricket

Sussex Cricket is thrilled to announce that The 1st Central County Ground will be the first cricket stadium in the world to host the iconic, Sixes Cricket Bar. 

This exciting new addition will be owned by the Club and located at the award-winning, multi-purpose venue in Hove and will be open to the public in April. 

Sixes is spreading Cricket culture far and wide through their gamified, high octane, competitive socialising experience. Guests from beginner through to Jofra himself step into the nets, grab a bat and face down a virtual pro bowler hurling very real (soft) balls at them. Strike a target then eyes on the screen as scores appear on the leaderboards.

Complete with a world class food and drink offering, Sixes is the perfect spot for social gatherings, corporate events, and family outings. In their words, ‘come with your crowd and catch the cricket fever.’

In addition to enhancing the already exceptional matchday experience at Hove, the thrilling high-energy batting alongside vibrant food and drink will be open to the public year-round.

Previously situated on the Brighton beachfront, the popular party-cricket experience welcomed over 33,000 cricket fans and guests during its 18 months at the Brighton i360.

Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Pete Fitzboydon said: “Opening our own Sixes venue is an exciting step towards our vision for the 1st Central County Ground. 

We want to welcome more of the community to our Hove home, to make it central to the local community as well as introduce new audiences to Sussex Cricket. 

“We have re-purposed an under-utilised space at our Ground into a high-quality community venue that will entertain tens of thousands of people all year round, and will also provide a very welcome new income stream!

“Sixes could not have been a better fit for our goals: it attracts a younger audience, particularly families and young adults; has wide appeal to both men and women; and fundamentally is cricket! We are immensely grateful to the Sixes team and Aramark for their support in making it happen.”

Sixes CEO, Calum Mackinnon said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening at the home of Sussex Cricket. 

It’s an iconic venue and a dream location for Sixes. 

We’ve felt a real connection with the Brighton and Hove community since launching in 2023, and this new chapter gives us an amazing opportunity to continue to bring year-round cricket and party to locals and visitors alike.”

About Sixes 

Sixes is where cricket and a good old party combine.  Fast-paced, high-energy and deeply social. 

The Cricket story goes back centuries. A game that stitches millions together. If you've got a bat, a ball and some sticks for stumps, you can play anywhere – on the beach or in the streets. Today, cricket is a thrumming, colourful, giant of a thing. A party with no boundaries where everyone’s welcome. 

Sixes captures that intoxicating energy in a tech-enabled batting experience paired with world-class food, cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere.

5 challenge modes mean players of all skill levels can swing for the boundaries on a level playing field. 

In every Sixes, you’ll find a party in full bounce. Come with a date, your mates or the whole office. Sixes is your go-to destination for unforgettable group celebrations. 

Down the road and up the country, Sixes venues are like urban clubhouses - a vibrant community of cricket-lovers and partygoers. 

“I’ve always believed this was my path.”

New rookie Sussex spinner Troy Henry says professional cricket is increasingly open to young players from all backgrounds.

After more than a decade of commitment and hard work, Troy Henry has finally landed his first professional contract.

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner, a former ACE Academy captain, has signed a rookie contract with Sussex Cricket after impressing at the club’s open trials in January 2025.

“For the most part, I’ve always believed professional cricket was my path,” he says.

“I was determined to make it. Of course, there were tough times. Moments when I was out of form and felt hesitant. But if you can push through those periods, it shows you have the mindset to succeed. That mindset is what has got me here.”

Henry isn’t the only ACE cricketer to reach the pro game this year, with 19-year-old Amy Wheeler also signing a rookie contract for The Blaze. And just like Wheeler, Henry didn’t take long to catch the eye.

He says: “It was an open trial (at Sussex). Chevy Green, the director of ACE, sent about 10 of us to apply. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to bat because I had a wrist injury. But after bowling a little while, Paul Farbrace came up to me and started chatting. We had a really good conversation. He invited me back to train with them again. And then things progressed from there.

“For me, it was about sticking to my skills and doing my best. When Paul came up to me, I thought: ‘This is a good sign.’ I thought I was bowling well, but obviously what you feel can be different to what coaches see.”

As a boy, Troy and his mum would spend their weekends watching his dad play cricket for St Albans West Indians in the Hertfordshire Cricket League. “Our life centred around the game,” he says. “If we weren’t watching Dad, we were watching cricket on TV.”

His own cricketing journey started aged four, eventually playing Minor Counties age group cricket for Hertfordshire from U15s to U18s while joining The ACE Academy in 2020.

“I’ve been at ACE since the start,” he says. “One day early on, Steve Stephenson told me about some trials at The Oval and suggested I go. I went along – I remember, we were outside on the square and had a grass net – and thankfully it went well and I got accepted. But then Covid-19 arrived.

“For about six months, we couldn’t train or do anything. But once we got back into it, I started playing again for ACE and I’ve been involved ever since.”

He adds: “The ACE programme has made a massive difference. Being around people from similar backgrounds has helped me relate to things more. The whole set-up is like a family to me. If I’m having any problems, there are so many people I can message for advice. It’s not just about playing cricket together: it’s about so much more than that.”

In September 2024, Henry signed his ACE contract live on Sky Sports during the England v Australia ODI fixture at Trent Bridge. That contract will fund his first year with Sussex, with Henry hoping to do enough in 2025 to earn an extended deal for the seasons ahead.

He says: “It’s tough to make it if you haven’t been in the County Age Group system. But as an outsider, you’ve just got to back yourself, show your skills, and see what happens. It’s encouraging to see playing coming from non-traditional backgrounds.

“It’s absolutely massive to see opportunities in cricket open to everyone. But it’s not just about opening opportunities. It’s about ensuring those opportunities lead somewhere. We’re definitely going to see more professional players from non-traditional backgrounds and that makes a big difference. If everyone came from the same background, the game would be a lot less interesting.”

Authored by Neil Barraclough on behalf of the ECB and Sussex Cricket

Image credit: Vincent Bell 

Mark Robinson Rejoins Sussex Coaching Team

Sussex Cricket is excited to announce the return of former Head Coach, Mark Robinson, who will rejoin the coaching team on a short-term deal ahead of the upcoming season.

Robinson, who previously served as Sussex Men’s Head Coach for ten successful years, led the team to six major trophies, cementing his legacy at the club. After his time at Sussex, Robinson took on the role of England Women's Head Coach, guiding the team to a historic World Cup victory in 2017.

Following his achievements with England Women, Robinson was appointed Head Coach at Warwickshire, where he played a pivotal role in their County Championship triumph in his first season, alongside Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace.

Now, Robinson and Farbrace will reunite once again at The 1st Central County Ground for at least the next two months. 

Speaking on returning to Hove, Robinson said: "It feels great to be back at Hove. It’s a club that will always have a special place in my heart. 

"To be able to come back and support the coaches and players in building on the successes of last year is an exciting one."

Read to join Good Old Sussex by the Sea?

Sussex Memberships for the 2025 season are still available to purchase. A Sussex Membership is your ticket to every Men's home County Championship and One Day Cup group games, plus, this year you'll also get free entry to every home Sussex Women's One Day Cup game at no extra cost! 

BUY A SUSSEX MEMBERSHIP

Sussex Men's First Team to Play Four Pre-Season Friendlies

The cricket season is almost here! The Sussex Men's team begin preparations for the 2025 season tomorrow with the first of four pre-season friendlies, starting at The Utilita Bowl, taking on Hampshire. 

Pre-Season Fixtures

• Two-day friendly vs Hampshire at The Utilita Bowl, starting at 11am on Thursday 20th March
• Two-day friendly vs Kent at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, starting at 11am on Sunday 23rd March
• Two-day friendly vs Surrey at The 1st Central County Ground, starting at 1130am and 11am on day two, from Wednesday 26th Match
• Two-day friendly vs Hampshire at The 1st Central County Ground, starting at 11am on Saturday 29th March

Livestream

Both home friendlies will be livestreamed and available on our Matchday Centre, without commentary.

Hampshire will not be streaming the friendly at The Utilita Bowl. Kent will be livestreaming the game without commentary on Sunday. 

Free Entry

Entry to both home fixtures is free of charge, supporters do not need to book a ticket or show their membership cards.

When will Membership cards and packs arrive?

We are currently in the process of printing our 2025 Membership Packs and Cards, all of which will be sent out to Sussex Members prior to the first home game of the season. 

Read to join Good Old Sussex by the Sea?

Sussex Memberships for the 2025 season are still available to purchase. A Sussex Membership is your ticket to every Men's home County Championship and One Day Cup group games, plus, this year you'll also get free entry to every home Sussex Women's One Day Cup game at no extra cost! 

BUY A SUSSEX MEMBERSHIP

On 30th September last year, recreational cricket in Sussex lost one of its unsung heroes, when Mike Newcombe sadly passed away. Mike was a stalwart of Lindfield CC, but his reach was felt all across the Sussex cricket scene.

Having been previously involved with the Mid Sussex Cricket League, in 2018 Mike joined the committee of the newly formed Sussex Cricket League (bringing together the four previous leagues in the County). Mike was asked to cover player registrations, an area which then rapidly grew and developed as Home Office laws changed, quickly becoming possibly the most complex aspect of recreational cricket. As a result, Mike's role on the committee grew and he became a key figure in the administration of the league - the world's largest. 

He embraced all the issues that his role demanded, from dealing with the Home Office on overseas players, to mediating on contentious transfers, to running the loan system, and all points in between. The amount of his own time that Mike dedicated to the role was incredible, and he was acknowledged both locally and nationally as a true subject matter expert. The fact that the league has formed an entire group to deal with registrations probably says all that needs saying about Mike's contributions.

Mike was also a very accomplished umpire on the league's panel, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of its premier officials. As such, Mike officiated many of the top matches in the league over the last few years, from Premier division showdowns to play-offs, to T20 Finals. He was widely respected by players as a fair and pleasant umpire.

All in all, Mike was a true asset to the league and, by extension, Sussex Cricket. Whilst he never sought credit, and was happy to contribute quietly in the background, Mike’s contribution was massively valued by his colleagues, both in the league and his fellow umpires.

It is therefore with great pride that the Sussex Cricket Foundation announces 'The Mike Newcombe Umpiring Bursary'. The bursary fund will exist to provide funding to those looking to become qualified as an umpire, but cannot afford to do so. It will ensure people from all backgrounds are able to access a course and have support and mentoring from the Sussex Association of Cricket Officials, who have match funded the pot, along with the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League. Individuals can apply for the bursary here.

Sussex Sign Troy Henry on Rookie Contract

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the signing of Troy Henry on a one-year Rookie contract, following successful displays at the Club's open trials, held at The 1st Central County Ground in January. 

The left-arm spinner and bat, is the former captain of the ACE team, a charity that engages young people of African and Caribbean Heritage, helping to provide them with opportunities to become professionals in the game.

Troy made history when he became the first player to be offered a professional Rookie contract by the ACE programme. 

Born and schooled in Hemel Hempstead, he played three National Counties matches last year for Hertfordshire, taking seven wickets and scoring a half century against Northumberland.

He follows in the footsteps of Sussex Men's first team players Brad Currie and Ari Karvelas, who also gained contracts following open trials at Sussex. 

Sussex Men's Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, said: "Troy came to us on the open trial day that Colin Bowley our cricket operations manager, organised, and he was one of the players who really stood out.  

"Colin then arranged for Troy to come down and spend more time with the squad, and from there his outstanding potential shone through. He has a great attitude and a real hunger to get better.

"The fact that Troy is part of the ACE program only adds to this great story, and we are delighted to be working with Chevy Green, CEO of ACE, to bring Troy to Hove and be part of our first team squad."

Chevy Green, CEO at ACE, added: “I am whole heartedly thankful to Paul Farbrace and Sussex CCC providing this opportunity to Troy - the foundations of ACE are deep rooted in opportunity and our values of culture, togetherness, resilience and enjoyment align. 

"Troy is an exceptional young man, a perfect ambassador for the charity and I am excited to enjoy watching this new chapter by Good Old Sussex by the Sea”.

About ACE