Sussex Welcomes 90 Budding Trialists to 

The 1st Central County Ground 

On Wednesday 29th January Sussex Cricket opened its doors to 90 male trialists from far and wide, trialists hoping to impress the onlooking Paul Farbrace and his professional coaching team. 

Over 150 applicants were whittled down to 90 who were all invited to the Indoor School at The 1st Central County Ground in an attempt to secure a professional cricketing contract. 

In recent years, both Ari Karvelas and Brad Currie have been beneficiaries of the opportunity, with both going on to forge successful careers wearing the Martlets. 

Speaking to The Cricketer, Paul Farbrace said: ""There are so many elite cricketers playing in leagues and National Counties who are not getting opportunities to play first-class cricket. So, these sort of days are absolutely vital, a must.

"Our responsibility as a club is to make sure every door, every avenue is open. Football has had late developers like Ian Wright, Jamie Vardy and Stuart Pearce, and cricket can have the same."

A successful day eventually finished with 14 of the 90 being invited back by the Club for further trials. 

Sussex Cricket are also delighted to be staging open trials for female players, held at the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy on Saturday 1st March. The trial is open for any female aged 16 or over.

Applicants should send their cricketing CV  to opentrials@sussexcricket.co.uk by Friday 14th February 2025 at the latest.

Sussex Sign Overseas Seamer Gurinder Sandhu

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the additional oversea signing of Gurinder Sandhu for June and July in 2025. 

Sandhu will be available for four games in the County Championship this summer and will also be available for the T20 Vitality Blast if required. 

The signing provides additional cover due to a change in the availability of Jaydev Unadkat in 2025, who will now be available for the final three red-ball games in September.  

The announcement of Sandhu’s signature now completes Sussex’s overseas signings for the 2025 campaign, with Seales, Unadkat, Hughes and McAndrew all returning to Hove this season. 

A previous winner of the prestigious Steve Waugh Medal, the tall fast-bowler is renowned for his ability to generate bounce and swing has featured in 55 first-class matches, taking 151 wickets at an average of 30.52 and an economy of 2.84. 

Speaking on the new addition, Paul Farbrace said: “We are delighted that Gurinder has decided to join us for the four County Championship matches in June and July, he will add real skill and experience to our bowling attack for those games. 

“He is a vastly experienced performer and is very skillful with the ball. The fact that all four games are being played with a Kookaburra ball means he will be very comfortable with that type of ball. 

Gurinder added: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Sussex Cricket Club and can’t wait to step out onto the field at Hove. 

"I’m looking forward to contributing to the team in both the red and white ball formats and experiencing the rich cricketing traditions Sussex is known for.”

University of Brighton and Sussex Cricket Join Forces to Nurture State School Talent

Young cricketers from state schools across Sussex are being supported to develop their talents through an innovative programme run by the University of Brighton and Sussex Cricket.

Under the programme, students from the University’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences are giving tailored strength and conditioning training to 13-16-year-old boys at the Sussex Cricket who attend local state schools. The programme is based at the University of Brighton’s new Brighton Sport and Health Complex at its recently revamped Falmer campus, which includes state-of-the-art gym and fitness facilities.

Led by masters’ student Ross Evans, who is studying for a Strength and Conditioning MSc, the programme includes two 10-week training blocks designed to build foundational strength and trunk stability essential for preventing injuries and enabling long-term success. 

The programme comes after a recent report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) found that class remains a major barrier within the current structure and talent development channels of the sport. The report recommended immediate action to tackle the lack of inclusion and democratise access to opportunities within cricket. Of the 5,072 private and state secondary schools in England and Wales, private schools make up 28.2% and yet they represent 70.9% of the secondary schools that are connected with professional cricket teams across the country.

By offering professional-level strength and conditioning support to these young players from state schools, the project which is in its pilot phase, seeks to level the playing field among aspiring cricketers and accelerate their development for greater access and opportunity in the sport.

Ross, who is project lead for programme said: “This programme has enabled us to provide important support to these boys, which was previously not accessible to players their age in state schools. After the first few weeks, we have seen a lot of progress. The players have become more engaged in the sessions and being able to do this with young people has been a truly rewarding experience.”

Ross and the other University of Brighton students delivering the programme are mentored by Dan Howells, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, who provides technical support across the programme.

Dan said: “The development of our Falmer campus provided us an opportunity to expand our ongoing partnership with Sussex Cricket. Because of this, our masters students take up placement within the club’s professional team while providing young cricketers with support they would otherwise be unable to receive until they are older and further into the cricket pathway.”

Dave McIlwaine, Sussex Cricket's Head of Performance, said: “It is great to have Ross and his fellow University of Brighton students provide an extra hour of valuable strength and conditioning training every week to help our young cricketers reach their potential. This is an incredibly significant boost to the development of the players.”

As the programme evolves, there are plans for broader community access to improve the initiative, which represents a meaningful step toward greater inclusivity and development within cricket.

Article written by Manuel Kojo Koranteng, University of Brighton 

Sussex Sharks Women's Trial Dates Confirmed 

Applications for Sussex Cricket’s Women's  trials day at Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre, Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) on Saturday 1st March 2025 are now open.

Applications are now open for the Sussex Cricket Women's open trials which will take place on Saturday 1st March between 9-11am. The trial is open for any female aged 16 or over.

Applicants should send their cricketing CV  to opentrials@sussexcricket.co.uk by Friday 14th February 2025 at the latest.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend the trial and given full details of the day.

Sussex Cricket releases 2025 Pathway data

Sussex Cricket has today announced its Boys Academy and Emerging Player Programme intake for 2025, along with the supporting demographic data for the Talent Pathway.

Boys EPP and Sussex Cricket Academy Squads

Emerging Player Programme (EPP) 

George Bamford, Zac Hockley, Harrison Brayshaw, Charlie Eastman, Ollie Hughes, Ibrahim Kashif, Reuben Martin, Jamie Schoeman, Ben Vale, Rupert Anderson, Diyon de Silva, Adam Ibrahim, Archie Hall, Billy Hemmings, Oliver Hewitt, Ollie Mason, Fergus O’Connell, Jonny Prior and Ramsay Trainer

Sussex Cricket Academy

Zan Copleston, Fergus Kenyon, Aryan Kulkarni, Louie Lawrence, Ollie Moore, Toby Munt, Harry Walker, Freddie Wallis, Julian Laird, Arthur Hanson 

Boys Data

Demographics of Academy & EPP vs Sussex Population 

To benchmark the demographics data of the EPP and Academy, we have compared the numbers with the overall population data for the county of Sussex, taken from the 2021 Census. 

State School vs Independent Data 

Of the 2025 intakes in the EPP and Academy, 34.48% of those attend state schools within Sussex. 

This represents an 8.40% increase from the 2024 intake of 26.08%

Oxfordshire Cricket Partnership

Sussex Cricket is delighted to confirm that two players from the Oxfordshire Cricket partnership will continue in the Academy for the 2025 season. 

Julian Laird and Arthur Hanson will follow in the footsteps of Sussex First XI players, James Coles, Harrison Ward and Zach Lion-Cachet.

Boys County Junior Squad Data

The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Boys’ Sussex Cricket Pathway for 2024/25 from U9’s to U16’s.

State School vs Independent Data - Boys

Of the boys currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 250 (62%) currently attend state schools, 152 (38%) attend independent schools.

Girls Data

State School vs Independent School Data – Girls

Of the girls currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 82 (53%) currently attend state schools, 73 (47%) attend independent schools.

Head of Talent Pathway, Keith Greenfield commented: "It is good to see that we have very diverse groups across all our pathways, and with the improved opportunities and provision being provide across various projects another large increase in state educated players selected across all our pathways shows this work is paying off. 

"There is still plenty of work ahead to increase opportunities for all within our programmes, particularly within our girls cricket programmes."

Dean Wilson Announced as New Sponsor of Sussex Cricket League

The Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF) are delighted to announce Brighton based solicitors, Dean Wilson LLP as the new headline sponsors of the Sussex Cricket League with immediate effect.

Dean Wilson replace former sponsor, 1st Central, with the league now being referred to as the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League.

The 3-year agreement with the Sussex Cricket Foundation will cover the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The Sussex Cricket League was originally formed in 2018, with 335 teams across 34 divisions and is known as the world’s largest adult cricket league. 

This saw the merging of four adult cricket leagues into a singular league structure, meeting the needs of all Sussex Cricket Foundations affiliated recreational clubs and players. 

The continued growth of recreational cricket across Sussex in recent years has seen the league grow year on year, and in 2025 it will see an impressive 370 teams compete across 39 divisions.

James Chadburn, Managing Partner at Dean Wilson, expressed his delight at the sponsorship “As a Sussex-based law firm, we are thrilled to support the Sussex Cricket League. 

"This sponsorship aligns perfectly with our geographical roots, the location of our people, and a large proportion of our client base. We are proud to support the thousands of recreational cricketers across the county. 

"At Dean Wilson, we truly 'get' cricket, with many of the firm being passionate cricketers or supporters and a few of us turning out in the league on a regular basis. Personally, I have fond memories of playing league cricket since the mid-90s so I’m delighted we’re able to make a contribution to local cricket and look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the league over the coming years.”

The Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League will again continue to provide clubs with the opportunity to play at the home of Sussex Cricket, by hosting the League T20 Finals Day at the 1st Central County Ground on Sunday 31st August. 

The Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League will then conclude with its annual end of season dinner on Friday 24th October at The Grand Hotel, Brighton.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director at the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: “I am delighted to welcome Dean Wilson as our new league sponsor and supporters of the Foundation. 

The league continues to grow and develop, providing opportunities for many people to access the game and is a model that other counties across the country are starting to follow. 

I am excited to work closely with the team at Dean Wilson over the next 3 years to continue the development of adult league cricket across Sussex.”

For more information on our new sponsors and how to access their legal services please visit https://deanwilson.co.uk/

For further information on the Sussex Cricket Foundation please visit https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation or contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

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. 

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

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.