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The Sussex Cricket Team. 

Well, it's been a promising start to the 2025 Vitality Blast campaign for Paul Farbrace's Sharks who currently sit a mere two points adrift of South Group leaders Somerset after six matches.

A touch fortuitous with the weather against Essex last week, and signs of rustiness were swiftly dismissed a day later following an emphatic victory over Glamorgan. But what stands in the way of moving to the top is a Surrey outfit who are similarly heading in the right direction.

The Opposition 

You feel things are just starting to shift in the right direction for Surrey following a rickety start to this year's Blast campaign. Early defeats to Somerset and Hampshire have since been pushed to the back of the mind, with Surrey victorious in each of their previous three matches - including a comprehensive victory last night in Hampshire.

With the bat Jason Roy has started beautifully: 265 runs at an average of 44.16, whilst Laurie Evans has also found form with the willow in hand - particularly against Kent. And with the ball, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran have been most formidable - the pair taking 17 wickets between them. 

Previous Encounters

The Sharks have enjoyed recent success at Kia Oval, winning there in the previous two seasons. Surrey have, however, won on their two most recent trips to Hove in T20, too.

Over the years, the two sides have met on 41 occasions in T20 cricket. Surrey edge the head-to-head with 20 victories to Sussex's 15. Five have been no result, and one was tied. 

Team News

Farbrace has named a 13-player squad for tonight's match at the Kia Oval.

Squad: Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Foreman, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills, Simpson* (wk), Thomas

Harrison Ward and Tom Alsop miss out through injury, whilst Ollie Robinson is rested. Fynn Hudson-Prentice has been recalled from his loan spell at Derbyshire, and is in today's squad.

Start Time

Today's match is part of a doubleheader, with Surrey Women facing Lancashire Women beforehand at 2pm. Our match will commence shortly after the game's conclusion, at 6.30pm.

How to Watch

You will be able to watch every ball, free of charge, of the Surrey clash via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

Ticket Information

Tickets are still available for tonight's clash in the capital, and can be bought via Surrey's offical website.

Sussex Re-Sign T20 Blast Record Holder Danny Briggs 

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the signing of Danny Briggs from Warwickshire on a three-year contract. Danny will join up with Sussex at the end of the 2025 season.

Briggs, who previously played for Sussex between 2016 and 2020, will be available for selection in the Vitality T20 Blast, whilst also becoming part of the coaching set up to work with the Club’s spinners.

One of the most accomplished white-ball bowlers in the country, Briggs holds the record as the leading wicket-taker in Vitality Blast history, with an impressive 246 wickets. 

He was also a key figure in Hampshire’s golden run to six consecutive Finals Days between 2010 and 2016. 

Briggs has continued to consistently amass wickets in the Blast for the Bears, claiming 29 scalps as they reached the quarter-finals last season.

Speaking on returning to Hove, Briggs, said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to Sussex, it’s a really talented and exciting squad playing some great cricket. 

"Hopefully I can help contribute to plenty of wins and trophies along the way. Hove is a special ground and I can’t wait to return.”

Sussex’s Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, added: “I’m delighted that Danny has agreed to come back to Hove and help us to challenge to win the T20 Blast and also play a leading role in helping to develop our spin bowlers. 

“Danny is not only a top professional and has shown his skills on the field for a long period of time, but he is one of the best humans you will ever come across and will be a fantastic addition to our playing group and coaching group.”

Sussex Sharks completed a double over Glamorgan thanks to 6 for 21 from Nathan McAndrew to give the visitors a 27-run win at Sophia Gardens.

A strong all round performance kept Sussex occupying an all-important top spot in the South Group of the Vitality Blast at the halfway stage.

Harrison Ward set the tone for the innings for Sussex with 55 from 24 balls inside the powerplay despite appearing to pull a muscle in the innings which prevented him from fielding. All of Sussex’s top order contributed to send them to 199 for 7.

Nathan McAndrew backed up Sussex’s first innings for an all-round winning display returning 6 for 21 despite Dan Douthwaite’s quickfire 40 from three wickets inside six balls and Colin Ingram’s 21-ball 37 kept Glamorgan in the chase before they fell to 172 all out.

Sussex began strongly after opting to bat first with the sun still beating down at Sophia Gardens. Ward’s season best despite being hampered came through a liking to Timm van der Gugten, taking 22 from the third over.

Ward’s striking continued, particularly with destructive hitting straight and over deep-mid-wicket, reaching a half-century in just 20 balls, his knock been and gone inside the powerplay thanks to van der Gugten getting his revenge with a bouncer.

The soaring powerplay was helped to continue in the same vain with John Simpson finding his rhythm to a well-managed 41 from 26 balls from five off seven. Similarly Coles, who has helped the Sharks to three wins with two unbeaten half-century knocks already this season had a license to free himself as he did, taking Mason Crane for 19 in an over on his way to a useful cameo.

The Sussex scoring didn’t let up with 10-an-over the norm after the second over until the late fightback with three wickets in four balls courtesy of Glamorgan top wicket-taker Crane and Dan Douthwaite in the 18th and 19th over.

New overseas Imad Wasim impressed on debut for Glamorgan and was pick of the bowlers, being the most restrictive in the powerplay and brought a wicket at an important time while the other spinners also played key parts with wickets and economy between them.

In reply, Glamorgan struggled to string a partnership together when chasing their highest total so far this season.

The hosts didn’t find the same destructive powerplay prowess as the Sharks did, however a free-flowing Ben Kellaway added to the newfound form of Ingram made sure run-rate was never an issue.

Kellaway’s early retirement set a halt for Glamorgan when he reverse-swept a ball into his helmet after the youngster already damaging internationals Ollie Robinson and Tymal Mills early in his innings with stand-and-deliver style swats down the ground and exquisite cover-driving.

The two South Africans kept Glamorgan afloat until Kellaway’s return at the dismissal of Chris Cooke. Shortly after saw the two accelerators, Ingram and Kellaway, dismissed in the same over by McAndrew, conceding just three from the 12th over.

Douthwaite entered with the equation: 93 from 8.3 overs, immediately after the mini-collapse. The all-action all-rounder, together with Asa Tribe had already put on an unbeaten 64 partnership to see them home from an unlikely position in their T20 opener. Douthwaite’s five sixes in an 18-ball innings, left the equation at 41 to win from 3.5 overs.

A collapse came once more with Glamorgan going out swinging in an unlikely attempt to chase after Douthwaite’s dismissal, giving McAndrew three wickets in the 19th and eventual final over.

By Blake Bint, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay.

Sharks vs Essex: Guide to the Game

The Blast is back at The 1st Central County Ground tonight, with the Men's team taking on Essex under the lights! To help you plan your evening with us, we've created a Guide to the Game, with all the info you need ahead of your trip to Hove.

From information on when to arrive, to what you can and catch bring into the game, plus the squad lists for both teams and more, our Guide to the Game is a must-read before you head to the ground. Read the Guide to Game.

Ticket Information

Tickets are still available to purchase for the game and with 90% already sold, we highly recommend you act quickly and book your tickets before making your way to the game. Plus, if you fancy a cheeky upgrade, why not check out our new Silly Point Pub package.

Want to know more? Head to our Blast is Back page to explore your ticketing options for tonight! 

Sixes Social Cricket

If you've been to the ground recently you may have noticed our very own Sixes Social Cricket bar. If you haven't, then where have you been?! 

Our Sixes Social Cricket Bar will open for the duration of the match. Full to the brim with fantastic food and drink to fuel you up with the net session of your dreams. Take on the Sussex Sharks stars and test your six-hitting skills.

Head to the bar, located behind the Webtrends Optimize Sharks Stand tomorrow to book your net. 

Plus, if you fancy a cheeky drink after the game, Sixes will remain open until 1030pm.

Don't Forget to Bring Your 1st Central Hair Headband!

Sussex Cricket and 1st Central have teamed up to give Sharks fans who re-use their 1st Central Hairy Headbands at a Blast game the chance to win a mystery prize!

As Sharks fans will know, we have been giving out free 1st Central Hairy Headbands at Blast games for the past few seasons, and in the spirit of sustainability, we have partnered with 1st Central to incentivise supporters to re-use their Hairy Headbands at future games.

Tonight at The 1st Central County Ground, fans who arrive with their headbands at the gate will be given a free raffle ticket and the chance to win a mystery prize. 

Fans who attend games will still be able to pick up headbands free of charge and will also be able to give a small donation, if possible, to the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

Sensory, Inclusion and Quiet Room

Sussex is proud to have opened its very own Sensory, Inclusion and Quiet Room. Our Sensory Room is a safe and relaxed environment where supporters who may need time away from the main seating areas to enjoy the game from. If you feel you may require this service, please approach a member of staff tonight. 

After a short break it's back-to-back matches for the Sharks, starting this coming Friday with Essex making the journey down to Sussex before an immediate trip to Wales follows to face Glamorgan as we look to continue our fine start to the Blast campaign.

It was another blistering performance for Paul Farbrace's Sharks last time out, chiefly with the ball in hand, as a Nathan McAndrew fifer proved the catalyst in helping skittle Glamorgan all out for just 117 - the second time Tymal Mills' bowling attack has taken maximum wickets in this fresh Vitality Blast season.

And they'll look to make it four wins from five on Friday evening as an Essex side, unusually struggling for form, head down to Hove.

The Opposition | Essex (H) - Friday, 13th

Essex's opening match of the Blast campaign has somewhat set the tone thus far after suffering a heavy 106-run defeat to Hampshire. They'd lose to Somerset shortly after, before Glamorgan and Middlesex both inflicted defeats in relatively routine style to condemn Essex to a winless start from their opening four matches.

Mohammad Amir returns for his second spell at the Chelmsford-based club as the frontline bowler, accompanied by the ever-present and ever-reliable Simon Harmer, with Sam Cook and Shane Snater completing the seam attack. Michael Pepper has scored 118 runs from the opening four matches, and is his side's leading run scorer in the competition this season.

Essex make the long jaunt to Glamorgan this evening as they look to gain some momentum ahead of their immediate journey to Sussex a day later. 

The Opposition | Glamorgan (A) - Saturday, 14th

And just a day later for the Sharks, it's a trip to the aforementioned Welsh club, too, for Farbrace's Sharks as Glamorgan similarly look to get their campaign back on course at Sophia Gardens.

This fixtures comes just six days after Sussex romped to a rampant victory over them, comfortably cruising to a 78-run win that featured a fine bowling display alongside excellent knocks from Harrison Ward, James Coles and Tom Alsop.

Right-handed bat Kiran Carlson is off to another promising start, already racking up 152 runs from his four innings out in the middle. With the ball, Glamorgan have found most success through Dan Douthwaite, who has eight scalps thus far.

And as our next two opponents face off against each other tonight, it provides valuable viewing with both teams out of form and in search of points.

Team News

Farbrace has named a 14-player squad for the next two Vitality Blast fixtures.

Squad: Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills, Robinson, Simpson* (wk), Thomas, Ward

In case you missed it, Fynn Hudson-Prentice has joined Derbyshire for the next few Vitality Blast matches.

Start Time

Against Essex, the match will get underway at 7pm on Friday, with gates opening at 5.30pm. On Saturday, it'll be a 6.30pm start time at Sophia Gardens.

How to Watch

You will be able to watch every ball, free of charge, of the Essex clash via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

Our trip to Glamorgan a day later will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket, and so will not be available to watch on our Match Centre.

Ticket Information

There is still time to get your tickets for tomorrow's action and we have a range of products for you to choose from. From our new exclusive Silly Point Pub, to Curry and Cricket packages, there is something for everyone! Head to our Blast is Back homepage to explore your options and get your tickets.

For our trip to Wales on Saturday, you can purchase tickets on Glamorgan's website via this link.

Sussex Star Tom Alsop Opens Tilgate Net Facility in Crawley

Sussex Cricket’s Tom Alsop joined local dignitaries last week to officially open a state-of-the-art two-lane net facility at Tilgate Cricket Club, marking the culmination of a transformative five-year Urban Plan for cricket in Crawley. 

The event, attended by Crawley Borough Council’s Councillor Chris Mullins, Sussex Cricket Chair Jon Filby, Community Cricket Director Gary Wallis-Tayler and Sussex Cricket Foundation Chair, Ish Jalal, amongst others - celebrated a £250,000 investment across the town to boost grassroots cricket.

The Tilgate facility at Gainsborough Road Playing Fields, delivered in partnership with the London Cricket Trust, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Crawley Borough Council, is the final of four net projects and complements ten new artificial pitches installed across Crawley, alongside the brand new three-lane indoor net facility regularly used at the Apple Tree Centre. Already, over 175 recreational cricketers from Tilgate CC and three other local clubs have used the nets in just two weeks, with the new artificial pitch further enhancing opportunities for growth.

Matt Parsons of Sussex Cricket Foundation hailed the project’s impact, stating; “The facility at Tilgate represents the final big-build project within the Crawley Urban Plan. 

Since it launched, we have improved or built new facilities at over 10 sites across Crawley, investing over £250,000. 

"But more than the money, it’s brought opportunity and improved access to the passionate, growing cricketing community across Crawley, which will only help continue to build the game in such a key area for Sussex.”

Richard Kingsbury of Tilgate CC expressed gratitude, saying; “We are enormously grateful for the support of Sussex Cricket and the huge investment in our club. We are hopeful that the new net facilities will not only lead to new players being attracted to our club but also give greater opportunity for cricket to be played in Crawley.”

Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Leisure and Wellbeing, added; “We are delighted to support this new facility in Tilgate, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots sport in Crawley. It is a fantastic facility for the local community, and we hope it will encourage more people to get involved.”

The project underscores Crawley’s growing reputation as a hub for community cricket; ensuring that the sport can thrive for generations to come, with Tilgate Cricket Club and other local clubs, able to grow.

The club is actively welcoming new players of all ages and skill levels, with plans underway to launch a junior section. Weekly training sessions are held every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm at Tilgate Playing Field, Gainsborough Road (RH10 5LF). To find out more, visit their website.

To find out more about the work that the Sussex Cricket Foundation has undertaken through the Urban Plans for both Crawley and Brighton & Hove, view their latest Impact Report and you can view the photos from the event here.

Sean Hunt Signs Sussex Contract Extension

Sussex Cricket is thrilled to announce that left-arm seamer, Sean Hunt, has signed a contract extension with the Club.

The new deal will see Hunt remain at the south-coast Club until at least the end of 2027. 

Having initially came through the Surrey academy system, Hunt signed for Sussex in 2021, taking 3-47 on debut against Lancashire. 

The 23-year-old fast bowler has since gone on to feature in 24 first-class matches for Sussex, taking 67 wickets at an average of 31.46.

His best match bowling figures came in spectacular fashion this season when he took 9-76, helping Sussex to an emphatic win over Somerset in the top division of the County Championship.

Speaking on his new deal, Hunt, said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign an extension with the Club, I can’t wait to get back out there and contribute to winning games of cricket for Sussex.”

Sussex Cricket Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, added: “We are delighted Sean has committed to the Club, and we are all very excited by the progress he has made. 

“Sean has worked very hard with James Kirtley to become a very good bowler who we are keen to get back into the team once he recovers from his injury.”

Mark Robinson appointed as State School Technical Lead

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Mark Robinson has been appointed as State School Technical Lead of the Club. 

Robinson, who previously served as Sussex Men’s Head Coach for ten successful years, recently rejoined the coaching staff at Sussex on a short-term basis, following his departure from Warwickshire, where he won the Division One County Championship title in 2021. 

He will remain as part of the Sussex Cricket coaching staff, whilst also working alongside Gary Wallis-Tayler (Community Cricket Director) and the Sussex Cricket Foundation to revolutionise state school cricket in the County. 

Exciting plans are in place to change the landscape of state school cricket across Sussex, which will provide increased opportunities for boys & girls to access the sport, strengthen our recreational club network and help identify new talent to feed into our pathway system.

Robinson will also assume the role of Director of Cricket at the Club’s official state school partner, Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) a post that was previously held by current Sussex Women’s Head Coach, Alexia Walker. 

Speaking on his new Robinson commented: “I am looking forward to and delighted to be appointed as the State School Technical Lead at Sussex, as well as the Director of Cricket for BACA. 

“My mum was a teacher on an estate in Hull, and fought hard to give students equal opportunities, and it makes me proud. I'm following in her footsteps to try and create a difference, and make sure cricket is available for everybody.”

Principal of BACA, Jack Davies, added: “We are more than excited to welcome Mark Robinson to our school, and I look forward to working closely with Mark to further our students’ cricket skills and game results in the coming seasons.”

Sussex Cricket Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, also said: “This is a unique opportunity to appoint a former professional Head Coach with a vast array of experience, across both the men's and women’s teams. 

“With many domestic trophies, and the Women’s World Cup in his list of achievements, Mark will be well-placed to help young people develop as successful cricketers and as young adults through the partnership between BACA and Sussex Cricket.”

About the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy 

BACA is the state school partner of Sussex Cricket, with students combining academics with top class cricket coaching and exceptional facilities and has consistently been named in the top 100 schools for cricket in the country, and until this year, was one of only six state schools awarded this honour. 

With a best-in-class indoor cricket centre and pitch, BACA’s cricket academy pathways provide students with the opportunity to play in the Junior Cricket Pathway from the ages of 11-16 and then in the Sixth Form Cricket Academy from 16-19, with coaching and strategic programme advice provided by Sussex Cricket.

Both programmes are thriving and aim to give children from state school backgrounds a pathway into professional cricket.

To find out more about BACA, please visit: https://www.baca-uk.org.uk/Cricket/ or to find out more about opportunities to play cricket across Sussex, please visit the Sussex Cricket Foundation’s website: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation

Sussex Cricket was delighted to host the BEAT Healthy Heart event on Monday, welcoming over 1,000 people to the 1st Central County Ground.

In association with 'BEAT' and 'Pumping Marvellous', they aim to raise awareness of heart failure and help individuals identify and address potential heart issues early on. The event involved testing for heart failure, blood pressure checks, and other screenings. The events use the BEAT acronym (Breathlessness, Exhaustion, Ankle swelling, Time for a blood test) to highlight key symptoms of heart failure.

And Sussex Cricket was delighted to open its door to its local community, where these free checks were held by a series of volunteers on what was a special day for the club. It was truly wonderful to be associated with such an excellent and crucial cause.