Sharks vs Gloucestershire: Double Header

On Thursday both the Men's and Women's teams played their part in Blast history. A double-header at the home of cricket. The Men's team were victorious, and although the Women's side didn't get the win they desired, there was certainly a lot to be positive about. 

Now time for some history of our own. A double-header against Gloucestershire tomorrow at The 1st Central County Ground. Paul Farbrace and Alexia Walker have both named their squads for the fixture. 

Team News

Paul Farbrace has named a 16-player squad for the match, bringing in Henry Crocombe, who has returned from the England Lions.

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

Alexia Walker has picked a 12-player squad for her team's respective fixture at The 1st Central County Ground. Ava Lee joins the squad on loan for Hampshire. 

Squad: Adams, Buckle, Collis, Curling, Docherty, Green (c), Harman, King, Lee, O'Neill, Stanley, Westley

Start Times

The Women's match begins at 12pm, with the Men's match taking place from 4pm. Gate open from 1030am, with access granted to both games with a single ticket. 

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, 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

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

James Coles smashed a career-best unbeaten 77 from 44 balls to set up a winning start to the Vitality Blast for Sussex Sharks as they held off Middlesex at Lord’s.

The 21-year-old’s destructive knock, which included five sixes and five fours, underpinned his unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 88 from 47 with Tom Clark and ensured that last year’s Blast semi-finalists totalled 202 for four.

That proved to be enough as the home side fell just short at 186 for seven in reply, despite a maiden T20 half-century by Ben Geddes (51 from 37) and Ryan Higgins’ fearless late display of hitting to rack up 44 from 16.

Middlesex made an early breakthrough after winning the toss and opting to bowl, with Noah Cornwell’s opening delivery dragged on by Harrison Ward before John Simpson (22 from 12) and Daniel Hughes really got the scoreboard moving.

Hughes began to open up after Simpson’s departure, flaying Henry Brookes for successive leg-side sixes but the Australian’s knock of 38 from 20 came to an abrupt end as Tom Helm’s fingertips deflected Coles’ drive onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

Luke Hollman’s astute spell of one for 38 prevented Sussex from gaining greater traction – although the leg-spinner’s figures were dented by a trio of sixes from Coles, who advanced to his third T20 half-century by drilling Cornwell over his head for four.

With Clark (26 from 21) taking on a supporting role, Coles scooped Higgins for another maximum as the pair accelerated during the death overs, taking 29 from the final nine balls of the innings to clamber above 200.

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, making his Middlesex debut, provided brief fireworks at the start of their reply, hitting two sixes in 14 from 12 before he fell to Ward’s smart diving catch on the point boundary.

But, although Geddes pummelled both Tymal Mills and Brad Currie over the fence, Sussex’s seamers achieved a degree of accuracy that had eluded the home bowlers and the required run-rate soon soared.

Stephen Eskinazi (34 from 30) shared a partnership of 58 from 45 with Geddes before he fell to another boundary catch off Currie (two for 38), while Leus du Plooy and Jack Davies both departed cheaply as Sussex turned the screw.

However, a flurry of boundaries from Hollman (20 from nine) lifted the tempo and Higgins took up the baton, hammering two enormous sixes and two fours in the penultimate over to keep Middlesex’s faint hopes alive.

But Ollie Robinson (three for 27) kept his cool to send down a near-flawless final over, having Geddes caught in the deep and then yorking Higgins to seal Sussex’s victory.

By Ben Kosky, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Henry Crocombe Added to England Lions Squad 

Sussex's Henry Crocombe has been called up to the England Lions' squad for the forthcoming two four-day matches against India A.

Crocombe returned to the Sussex squad last week in scintillating form, taking 6 wickets in the County Championship match against Hampshire at The Utilita Bowl. 

England Lions will first welcome India A to the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury on Friday 30th May. The second match will take place at the County Ground in Northampton, starting on Friday 6th June.

Congratulations, Henry! #GOSBTS

Blast is back, and to kick things off it's a doubleheader as both our women and men take to the hallowed Lord's turf to face Middlesex on Thursday. 

For Paul Farbrace and his Sharks side, they will be hoping to repeat last year's efforts in the group stage - one that witnessed them claim nine victories from their 14 matches. It secured second place and, after a blistering win against Lancashire, an early Finals Day exit at the hands of Gloucestershire has Sussex waiting for a first T20 title since 2009.

Meanwhile, a busy offseason has handed Alexia Walker a permanent role as Head Coach of Sussex Women in what has been a testing yet positive start to life since the changes in structure to the women's game. This is the opening round of Vitality Blast matches for Walker's side, too, but have already enjoyed a fair bit of the white ball this season, competing in the One Day Cup and Women's County Cup - showing rapid improvement.

Team News

Paul Farbrace has named a 15-player squad for the short trip to Lord's:

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

Alexia Walker has picked a 14-player squad for her team's respective fixture at Lord's shortly before the men's match:

Squad: Adams, Buckle, Collis, Curling, Docherty, Gentry, Green (c), Harman, Lewis, O'Neill, Stanley, Westley, Harvey, MSL Taylor

The Opposition

Richard Johnson's Middlesex have found the T20 Blast a testing competition of late with bottom-two finishes in each of their previous four campaigns. They improved toward the end of last season, though, with strong wins over Gloucestershire and Glamorgan before defeat to the Sharks on the final day of the group stage.

New Zealand's Kane Williamson will be available for at least 10 Vitality Blast fixtures in a Middlesex shirt in 2025, but Ireland international Josh Little will miss out through injury. Max Holden, too, will be unavailiable due to his call-up to the England Lions side.

Walker's side went one step further in the T20 County Cup this season - both side's only experience of the format this season. Whilst Sussex swept aside Buckinghamshire in the opening round, eventually knocked our by Glamorgan Women, Middlesex Women fell to a 5-wicket defeat to Kent in the opening round.

But in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, Middlesex are flying high. Four wins from as many games has them leading the line at the top of Division Two, with Finty Trussler and Artemis Downer already raising a few eyebrows.

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, 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.

The women's match gets underway today at 2.15pm, with the men's match commencing four hours later at 6.15pm. 

Tickets

Tickets for today's doubleheader can be bought here.

Well, the T20 campaign is here. And with it the rain returns to abandon tonight's warm-up with Berkshire at the 1st Central County Ground, originally scheduled for 7pm.

But this match will now be played tomorrow: 11am at the same venue. Tickets bought for tonight's clash will be automatically refunded, with entry free for all those joining us tomorrow morning. 

A reminder that the T20 Blast returns to Hove on Sunday, with a doubleheader against Gloucestershire. Both the women and men take to the field, and tickets can be purchased through this link.

Jack Carson’s five-wicket haul wrapped up a simple three-day victory for Sussex as they won on the road for the first time in the Rothesay County Championship this season.

Off spinner Carson found turn, bounce and a bagful of Hampshire wickets as he ripped through three of the four remaining batters to pick up five for 26 – his best of the campaign.

Hampshire were bowled out for 165, and despite Oli Carter falling, Tom Haines and Tom Alsop easily knocked off the 23 runs needed to take them past the winning line before lunch.

Sussex’s third win of their return to Division One came with 20 points, to keep tabs on the leading title contenders.

Hampshire began the day trailing by 29 runs, they had only whittled that down to 15 before Brad Wheal turned Carson around the corner to leg slip.

There was a mini-flash point when James Fuller and bowler Nathan McAndrew collided during a single. Liam Dawson wasn’t impressed, although the umpires calmed things quickly.

Dawson took the hosts into a slender lead, his two accompanied by a huge cheer, but just 10 runs later he tried to ride Carson’s turn, but tickled behind to John Simpson.

Dawson had been the main hope for Hampshire to test Sussex, but his exit for 48 saw Kyle Abbott edge to slip three balls later.

Henry Crocombe put Hampshire out of their misery when John Turner prodded a short ball to short leg.

Dawson managed to get Carter’s edge but it was a rare moment of joy as Sussex ticked off the runs in under 15 minutes.

It was a particularly revered victory for the visitors, with strike bowler Ollie Robinson rested with an ankle injury and overseas opener Daniel Hughes absent awaiting the birth of his first child.

Captain John Simpson had noted his side had “punched above expectation” so far this season. They leapfrogged Hampshire with the win, and also kept in touching distance of the title pacesetters.

Simpson’s third century of the season, in a 173-run stand with Fynn Hudson-Prentice, was the difference in the match, while Crocombe’s first appearance of the season was a huge success – four explosive wickets in the first innings were followed by a tidy two for 44 in the second.

For Hampshire, it was their first home defeat in the Championship since July 2023, with this only their fourth loss at Utilita Bowl since April 2019.

Although this fixture was the first between the two south coast counties in a decade, Sussex have still only lost once on this ground in 10 red ball outings – 20 years ago.

Hampshire have endured a rollercoaster trio of matches heading into the Vitality Blast portion of the season.

A dismal performance against Nottinghamshire was followed by a sensational victory at Edgbaston, which relighted excitement of a potential title charge, only for a seven session mauling.

Their six batting bonus points in the first block is only better than bottom-side Worcestershire, with only Ben Brown of the regulars to average over 40. Only he and Nick Gubbins have recorded centuries.

They didn’t get a batting point in this match, and only took three points from a dire week.

 By Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

For more information about Rothesay, please visit www.ecb.co.uk/about/who-we-are/our-partners/rothesay

John Simpson’s 18th first-class century put Hampshire on the ropes as Sussex ended day two with a Rothesay County Championship victory in sight at Utilita Bowl.

Skipper Simpson was superb to record back-to-back centuries, and third of the campaign, as he scored 106 – which included a 173-run stand with 78-maker Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Sussex claimed a 143-run first-innings lead before six evening wickets tore through Hampshire – as they closed on 114 for six, still behind by 29.

Simpson and Hudson-Prentice had shrugged off a slump on the first evening, after coming together at 83 for five. They blocked, left and survived for 16 overs to close.

The new morning brought overhead conditions seemingly perfect for bowling, but a slow pitch that once you could get in as a batter, you could stick around; and that is what the sixth wicket pair did.

Having been 44 runs behind at the start of the season, they quickly reached parity within an hour with sprightly cricket.

Both reached half-centuries before lunch, Simpson in 111 balls, Hudson-Prentice in 116. Everything they did made the bowling look toiled.

If a wicketless first session was frustrating for Hampshire, the afternoon was unpleasant due to a bout of the butterfingers – something that has marred their season with 25 chances already grassed.

Hudson-Prentice was put down by a regulation catch at first slip on 51 and at midwicket on 70 before he was finally pinned lbw as Brad Wheal found success with the new ball.

Jack Carson was dropped on nought at square leg, before taking 18 deliveries to get off the mark, but once he did he was a fluent partner for Simpson – who had been dropped first ball the previous day.

Simpson has taken to Division One cricket identically to Division Two. Having not reached three figures in 2023 but pumped out five tons in 2024 to lead promotion before filing two going into this round this year.

There was little surprise he converted once again, this time in 207 deliveries – even less surprising was that he reached the milestone by being dropped while pulling.

Even when Hampshire had thought they had held a catch – Simpson at first slip on 104 – it was clearly a bump ball.

The first day had been headlined by two spells of wickets, another pair of collapses either side of tea proved the rule that this pitch was ripe for collapses.

The last four Sussex wickets fell in 11 balls as James Fuller ended Carson and Simpson’s 40-run stand when Carson was leg before, before the fast bowler castled Nathan McAndrew.

Liam Dawson finished things off by getting Ari Karvelas caught at first slip and Henry Crocombe lbw, which left Sussex three runs shy of a second batting point.

Fletcha Middleton and Mark Stoneman put on 38 in 14 overs to suggest they could bed in, but after Middleton was leg-before, things turned south for the hosts.

Stoneman, Nick Gubbins and Tom Prest all departed in 13 deliveries. Stoneman tickled behind, Gubbins was unlucky to be lbw to one which stayed very low and Prest missed a straight on.

Ben Brown, unbeaten in the first innings, was bowled by a flighty delivery from Carson to leave Hampshire 90 for five, and still 53 in arrears.

Toby Albert was also bowled by Carson to add to the malaise with a three-day Sussex victory almost inevitable. 

By Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

For more information about Rothesay, please visit www.ecb.co.uk/about/who-we-are/our-partners/rothesay

Sussex Cricket Foundation Hosts Landmark Weekend 

Celebrating Disability Cricket

Last week, the Sussex Cricket Foundation proudly showcased its continued commitment to inclusive sport with a landmark weekend of Disability Cricket at The 1st Central County Ground, in partnership with the ECB, Lord’s Taverners and Webtrends Optimize. 

Festivities began on Friday, 16th May, with DIScoverABILITY Day, bringing together participants from across the county for a day of fun, engagement, and sport. 

The celebrations continued on Sunday, 18th May, with the launch of the inaugural Disability T10 Cup, introducing an exciting new format to the disability cricket calendar.

It was yet another day of sunshine and smiles on Friday 16th when the Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed over 750 participants, as well as 150 volunteers from a variety of schools and organisations across the county to come and play on the hallowed turf at Hove.

Sports leaders from local secondary schools across the city escorted participants around different zones across the pitch, providing activities such as table cricket, football, wheelchair rugby, mini-golf and even modified boxing!

Lucy Western, star of the Sussex Sharks Women’s team and newly announced Sussex Cricket Foundation ambassador was also in attendance joining in with the fun and games alongside the participants. 

The weekend’s celebrations didn’t end there. Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation proudly hosted the inaugural T10 Disability Cricket Cup, a groundbreaking tournament that brought together 40 of the nation’s top Disability Cricketers for a thrilling knockout competition at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove.

Broadcast live on the Club’s website with full commentary, the event drew more than 5,000 viewers throughout the day, as fans from across the country tuned in to witness an exceptional showcase of talent and competitive spirit.

The tournament reached a dramatic conclusion, with Hampshire clinching victory on the very last ball of the final, edging past Surrey in a nail-biting finish to claim the historic first title.

Speaking on the historic tournament, Sussex Sharks D40 captain, James Bunday commented: “The first thing I would like to say about the T10 Cup, is a massive ‘thank you’ to each & every person who helped to facilitate such an amazing opportunity for me and the rest of the players. 

“Thanks also to Matt Smith and his team at Webtrends Optimize, who continues to support Disability Cricket in Sussex, and Sussex Cricket generally.”

Essex D40 captain, Joe Moss, added: I would like to thank Sussex and Tom Belcher for inviting Essex to be a part of this, the first T10 Disability Cup. The weekend was fabulous. I think this should be an annual event.

“Just to be able to play our program is really positive but to make people‘s dreams come true by playing at pro grounds and being treated like the pros is what every disability player dreams of and that’s what we experienced on Sunday.”

With such a positive impact made across the weekend, Disability Cricket Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, Tom Belcher, is planning on coming back bigger and better in 2026: “It was yet another historic day for everyone involved in Disability Cricket this weekend. I am so proud that our Club has hosted two spectacularly impactful events across one weekend. 

“Disability Cricket in Sussex is in a fantastic place, including our VI team who are currently top of their league!

“Thank you to everyone who made this possible, including Webtrends Optimize, Lord’s Taverners and the ECB. Keep an eye out for us next season!” 

To find out more about Disability Cricket in Sussex, or to find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please visit: www.sussexcricket.co.uk/foundation 

To view photos from DIScoverABILITY Day, please click here. For photos from the T20 Cup photos, click here.

Henry Crocombe and John Turner demonstrated their winter work with Dale Steyn with whirlwind spells as 15 wickets fell on the first day at Utilita Bowl in the Rothesay County Championship.

Fast bowlers Crocombe and Turner were part of the England Lions squad mentored by South Africa legend Steyn, and coached by England great Andrew Flintoff, over the winter.

Sussex’s Crocombe, on his first appearance of the summer, claimed four for 27 – with his four wickets coming in 11 afternoon deliveries – to roll south coast rivals Hampshire for 154.

In reply, Turner ripped through the Sussex middle-order with three scalps in nine evening balls as the visitors slipped to 83 for five, before blocking their way to 110 for five by close – still 44 runs behind.

Hampshire chose to bat on a very green surface, one which would prove to nip and bounce unevenly as the day progressed.

Mark Stoneman only lasted four balls before he edged to second slip – the first of five Hampshire ducks. The rest of the host’s top order all got starts, but only Ben Brown would kick on.

Fletcha Middleton, on the back of a match-winning 76 at Trent Bridge, oozed confidence with 34 and dominated a 43-run stand with Nick Gubbins.

But he fell leg-before to Fynn Hudson-Prentice, before Tom Prest cramped himself for room and was caught at second slip for 18 and Gubbins was lbw to Jack Carson’s second delivery.

Liam Dawson began with four, six, four off Carson, but post-lunch Crocombe came alive with a blistering spell.

Crocombe hadn’t played so far this season due to a shoulder injury – which has dogged his recent campaigns – but with a return to fitness tied with Ollie Robinson rested with an ankle problem, he stepped up.

A strong end to last season, having only made his first first-team appearance of the season in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in July, earned him a place on the Lions tour to South Africa. He only played once, taking a tidy two-for.

He sent Liam Dawson’s leg stumps spearing, before yorking Toby Albert first up. His hat-trick ball was a low full toss, but in his following over, he displaced James Fuller’s middle-stump with one that jagged back.

His fourth wicket in 11 balls saw one rise off a length to take the shoulder of Kyle Abbott’s bat and leap to third slip.

Brown looked unbeatable as he went to 50 in 98 balls, against the team he spent 14 years, but there was little other resistance. James Coles polished off the tail by bowling Brad Wheal and John Turner.

In reply, Sussex’s openers weren’t allowed to settle, with Tom Haines pouched at first slip and Oli Carter caught behind.

But Tom Alsop and Coles put on 63 runs without a great deal of worry before Turner did his best Crocombe impression.

Having gone for 19 runs in his first 17 legal deliveries, Turner produced searing pace to take Alsop’s outside edge from just back of a length.

The out-of-form Tom Clark was squared up to edged to the cordon, before Coles was castled attempting a booming drive. Turner had three wickets in nine balls to put Sussex in trouble.

John Simpson, who was dropped first ball, barely played a shot in anger as he and Hudson-Prentice reached close without further damage, facing 94 balls in their stubborn partnership.

By Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Spectator Information

England Women return to The 1st Central County Ground tonight to take on West Indies Women in the second of three IT20’s. Limited tickets remain for this match, so we recommend you grabbing your ticket now to avoid disappointment. And, if you are planning on joining us, we’ve pulled together all the information you need to plan your evening with us. 

Gate Opening Times

The first ball is at 6.35pm with hospitality guests and general admission supporters welcome from 5pm when the gates open.

Sixes Launch Night 

If you're coming to our Sixes Social Cricket launch night, the team will have emailed you the instructions you need, entry is permitted from 430pm.

Entrances

There are two entrances to the ground. The main gate is on Eaton Road adjacent to The Sussex Cricketer pub. 

The other gate is located at the North End of Palmeira Avenue at the northeast corner of the ground.

Attendees with a valid match day ticket can gain admission from either gate. Hospitality and Sixes guest MUST enter through the main entrance on Eaton Road. 

How to Get Here

The 1st Central County Ground is located on Eaton Road, Hove, a short walk from Hove railway station and numerous local bus stops.

For full information on how to get here, please click here. No Parking is avaialble at the ground. 

Freebies and Activations

4 & 6 Cards

Plenty of free 4 & 6 Cards will be available around the ground to help you celebrate every boundary plus, don't forget to grab your free scorecard!

T-Shirts, Glasses and Hairy Headbands

It wouldn't be a T20 night at Hove without our freebies! Keep an eye out for glasses, t-shirts and 1st Central hairy headbands to help you get in the party mood! 

Food and Beverages

A variety of food units will be on site to ensure you do not go hungry or thirsty during the action. Whether you're looking for a hot or cold snack, tea, coffee or maybe an alcoholic beverage, we've got you covered. 

Please be aware that food and alcohol is not permitted to be brought into The 1st Central County Ground for international fixtures.

Our main food and beverage outlets are located at the South West (behind the Webtrends Optimize stand) and in the North East (behind the Family and North Stands) areas of the ground. 

If you're sitting in the main Pavilion this evening you'll have access to a bar serving all the usual hot and cold drink suspects, plus, a special dish of the day, as well as other snacks to keep everyone going. 

North East Food and Beverages

At the North East end of the ground you'll find a wide range of concessions selling pizza, burgers and ice cream, as well as our own bar serving a range of alcholic and non-alcholic drinks, including teas and coffees. Keep an eye out for the wonderful Higgidy Pies served out of the North Bar! 

South West Food and Beverages

Take your pick from a fantastic selection of hot food outlets, including fish & chips, noodles, smash burgers and more. Plus, make sure you pop into our brand new Sixes Social Bar where you'll find a lively bar with a wide ranging menu of hot and cold drinks, as well as delicious pizzas, burgers, nachos and more! 

Club Shop

Great news! Our brand new Club Shop is open for business! Located behind the Webtrends Optimize, the store will be selling official Sussex Sharks merchandise throughout the night. 

Multi-faith and Changing Places rooms

For those spectators who require a room to practice their faith, or time spend some time in contemplation, the Multi-faith room is open to people from any background or religion. 

The space, which opened last summer is located adjacent to the indoor school at the Cromwell Road End of the ground, next to the outdoor nets. 

We also have a dedicated Changing Places Room, available for anyone to use, regardless of your access needs, disability or if you rely on assistance or carers or specialist equipment. 

The Changing Places Room is in front of the Indoor School on the Eaton Road side of the ground. 

A Cashless Venue

We’d like to remind all spectators that The 1st Central County Ground is now a cashless venue. 

This means that only card or contactless payments will be accepted (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) throughout our venue. 

This will apply to all outlets at Hove, including food and beverage kiosks, ticketing, membership and our Club retail shop.

Cricket is for Everyone

Sussex is for everyone. Cricket is for everyone. Call it out!

That’s why we are committed to our zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination, anti-social behaviour and abuse in all its forms.

If you witness racist of homophobic abuse, or any form of discrimination or anti-social behaviour you can anonymously text ‘SHARKS’ plus details of the incident, to 07840852792.

Smoking and Vaping 

Out of respect to fellow supporters we would remind you that smoking and vaping is only permitted in the outer perimeter road and strictly not within the seating areas of the venue. Thank you for your cooperation.

Refund & Rollback policy

Should rain impact the fixture, if less than 10 overs are played, our Refund & Rollback Policy will be in place. To view the policy, click here.

How to Watch

Tonight's IT20 game will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6.30pm and will not be available on our livestream. 

Tickets

Tickets remain in very limited supply for this fixture. You can get yours via this link. Tickets start from just £10!