Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) has once again been rated in the prestigious Cricketer Magazine Top 100 Schools for Cricket for the fifth consecutive year. 

They are one of only 12 state funded schools and of those there are only 8 non selective schools. September 2023 has seen the biggest cohort of cricketers to be included in the programme since it began in 2013.

There are 53 cricketers from Year 7-13 taking part in the extensive cricket programme. BACA is the state school of choice for Sussex Cricket who deliver on the programme along with other guest coaches, Yasir Arafat and Georgia Adams. 

Director of Cricket for BACA and Sussex Women’s Head Coach, Alexia Walker said: “We are so happy to have been recognised yet again by The Cricketer Magazine as leading the way in cricket provision in the UK.

"We have a huge amount of talent across the school but most importantly the students are becoming superb well rounded individuals, balancing their academic studies and cricket training whilst contributing to all other aspects of school life as well.”

Principal Jack Davies said: “BACA are immensely proud of the cricket provision we continue to deliver to a very high standard around our academic programmes. We are an ambitious school inside and outside the classroom and the cricket programme epitomises this culture.”

Sir Rod Aldridge, founder of the Aldridge Foundation added his congratulations: “A great achievement for the team at BACA - leading the way in providing students in state schools the opportunity to experience playing this wonderful game.”

2024 Schools Guide reveals UK's best schools for cricket State and private schools are both well represented in the top 100, with the best all-girls and prep/junior schools also picked out by The Cricketer's judging panel for a place in the coveted 2024 Schools Guide.

The UK's best schools for cricket have been revealed in The Cricketer's Schools Guide 2024 - with an increasing number of state schools among those featured. This year's guide features the top 100 senior, top 50 prep/junior and top 20 all-girls schools for cricket in a bumper 164-page supplement. 

2024's successful roll call of schools – which features both state-funded and private establishments – was finalised after an exhaustive selection process that saw a huge number submit entries for inclusion in the guide. All entries were then judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching. 

The Cricketer magazine editor Huw Turbervill, who participated in BACA’s 10 Year Celebration this summer, said: "Our 2024 Schools Guide celebrates the best cricket programmes in state and independent schools across the country. The rise of women’s cricket in schools really has been a joy to behold. It is a pleasure to read the write-ups. 

The Cricketer researches and produces the Schools Guide annually, with the 2024 edition being supported by Durant Cricket – one of the country's leading suppliers of cricket ground equipment.

Cristian Durant, managing director of Durant Cricket, said: "At Durant Cricket, our relationship with The Cricketer holds immense value. Once again, they've showcased the outstanding commitment and coaching standards upheld by schools nationwide.”

The 2024 Schools Guide is a bumper 164-page supplement that's included alongside the December issue of The Cricketer magazine, as well as available to purchase separately here.

Students wishing to apply to the Aldridge Cricket Academy for Sixth Form study in September 2024 can apply here.

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Sussex-based aviation supplier, Aerotron, have extended their sponsorship of the Indoor School at The 1st Central County Ground, for a further three years.

With its head office based in Gatwick, West Sussex, Aerotron is one of world’s leading suppliers to the aviation industry.

Established in 1973, the organisation has now become a group of global companies that provides total aircraft product support services to an international market.

Aerotron has sponsored the Indoor School at Sussex since 2009, and the new partnership ensures that the Club can continue to provide first-class facilities for the Sussex Cricket Pathway, Foundation and first-team.

Tony Westley, Chairman of Aerotron said: “Aerotron is proud to continue sponsorship of the Indoor School at The 1st Central County Ground for a further three years.

“The company has always been keen to develop and inspire youth with apprenticeships and scholarships and the Indoor School is a continuation of that aspiration”.

Speaking on his personal reasons for being involved with the Club, Tony continued: “In 1960 the site of the present Indoor school was a set of outdoor nets and I used to be coached there by George Cox and Alan Oakman.

“That then moved in winter to the indoor tea rooms. They were both so good to me that I always looked for a way to repay their time and effort.

“It may have taken over 50 years, but such an opportunity came when the Indoor School was moved from under the Gilligan Stand to the present location and I wanted others to have the same opportunity to progress in the game that we all love.”

Sussex Cricket CEO, Rob Andrew added: “We are delighted to have agreed to have Aerotron as the sponsor of the Indoor School for at least the next three years.

"Their support helps to ensure we have a first-class facility at the ground not only for the players and staff, but also for the Pathway and the Sussex Cricket Foundation, who deliver sessions in the Indoor School to thousands of children across the county all year round.”

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the re-signing of overseas bowler, Nathan McAndrew, as well as the signing of fast-bowler Jayden Seales, to bolster the bowling attack for the 2024 season.

Fast-bowler Jayden Seales was actually set to join Sussex as an overseas seamer last season; however, he suffered a knee injury which meant he would no longer be available.

Fortunately, he has now made a successful recovery and will be available for Sussex from the start of the season, until 8th June 2024. 

Born in Trinidad & Tobago, Seales made his Test debut for the West Indies at 19 years of age against South Africa in June 2021, making an immediate impact as he took 3 wickets at an economy of 3.57, from his 21 overs.

He has since gone on to play 10 Tests for his country, taking 37 wickets at an average of 24.24. His best figures came against Pakistan in August 2021 when he took 5-55, making him the youngest West Indies bowler to take a Test match fifer.

Speaking on signing for Sussex, Seales said: "As a young fast-bowler, I want to expose myself to as many different conditions and challenges as possible. I can't wait to test myself in England and hopefully contribute to a winning start for Sussex in both Championship and T20 cricket."

Australian seamer Nathan McAndrew made an immediate impact at Sussex last season, taking a fifer on debut in the season opening win against Durham and closed out his stint in the County Championship with 31 wickets.

His wickets with the red ball came at an average of 24.19 and he also provided useful runs with the bat, averaging 26.5 with a high score of 65. 

McAndrew will be available from 1st June 2024, until the end of July. 

On coming back to The 1st Central County Ground, McAndrew added: “I am absolutely pumped to be back at Sussex for the upcoming season.

“I loved my time in Hove last year and I can’t wait to get back out there with the lads in 2024.

“The fans were incredibly good to me last year and I’m looking forward to hopefully contributing to a few more wins this upcoming season.”

Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace is delighted to have secured the services of the two overseas bowlers for the 2024 season: "Jayden is an exciting fast bowler who will provide us with a cutting edge to our bowling attack for the first two months of the season.

"We are all really looking forward to working with Jayden and helping him continue the great start to his career.

"I am delighted Nathan is coming back to Hove, he is a fantastic professional and gave his all to the team every day.

"He is a very popular guy in our dressing room, and it will be brilliant to have him in our team next summer. "

2024 Memberships available to purchase now

Join Good Old Sussex by the Sea to ensure your seat at all County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup games, plus, a whole range of additional benefits, such as guest passes and discounts on food and drink in Sussex Cricket bars (Griegs and Pavilion). 

Once you've purchased your membership, all that is left to do is keep an eye out for the 2024 fixtures and plan your summer full of action-packed cricket at The 1st Central County Ground. 

Membership packs will be sent out to all members prior to the 2024 season getting underway.

To find out more, visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/2024-membership

Sussex Sharks fast-bowler and all-time T20 leading wicket-taker, Tymal Mills, has been selected for the England Men's IT20 series against the West Indies next month.

England Men will take on West Indies in both 50-overs and IT20 matches, with Tymal selected for the IT20 squad, which will play a five-match series beginning on 12th December in Antigua.

England IT20 Squad

Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire)
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Will Jacks (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Tymal Mills (Sussex)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Phil Salt (Lancashire)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
Reece Topley (Surrey)
John Turner (Hampshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England Mens IT20 Schedule

1st T20I: West Indies v England - 12 December, Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd T20I: West Indies v England - 14 December, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada
3rd T20I: West Indies v England - 16 December, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada
4th T20I: West Indies v England - 19 December, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
5th  T20I: West Indies v England - 21 December, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

Congratulations, T! #GOSBTS

Sussex's Oli Carter made his fourth half-century of the winter for his Australian Club, Newcastle City, as they lifted the 50-over Tom Locker trophy on Sunday.

Carter, who also captains the side, made 65 runs from 74 deliveries as he side successfully chased down a target of 194 runs, set by Wallsend. 

After winning the toss, Carter put his opponents into bat and his decision was justified. Newcastle City bowled out Wallsend in just 40 overs and made light work of the chase, reaching the 194 runs needed to win in just 33.2 overs. 

You can view the full scorecard from the game by clicking here. 

Congratulations, Oli! #GOSBTS

In this week's Winter Watch roundup Oli Carter's latest round of games for Newcastle City in Australia, as he made another half-century to take them to a One Day Cup final, as well as news of plenty of wickets for Bertie Foreman. 

Sussex wicket-keeper batter Carter was named captain of Newcastle City Cricket Club this season and has responded with three half-centuries, as well as guiding them to a cup final, which takes place this Sunday. 

His unbeaten 63 from 56 balls was his third half-century of the season, helping his side to an eight-wicket victory in their final pool game, ensuring their place in the Tom Locker Final this weekend. 

After the completion of the one-day games, Oli is sitting 3rd on the overall run scorer table for the NDCA Competition on 203 runs @ 67.67. 

Bertie Foreman among the wickets

Sussex spinner Bertie Foreman is the second player from the Men's team to take the trip down under this winter and he hasn't wasted any time finding his form. 

In his last four matches, Bertie has taken a total of 11 wickets. Check out his figures here:

10 overs 3-12  vs Sydney (50 over)

28 overs 3-128 vs Gordon (red ball)

19 overs 1-22 vs Hawkesbury (red ball)

10 overs 4-28 vs Uni of New South Wales (50 over)

Next week in Winter Watch

In next week's Winter Watch we will bring you a round-up of all the action from the Women's Big Bash League, which has seen Georgia Adams, Lynsey Smith and Nicole Faltum among the runs and wickets in the Australian T20 competition. 

Image credit: Jonathon Carrol

On Saturday 4th November the Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed staff and sponsors from local hospice charity Martlets to The 1st Central County Ground for a night of spectacular fireworks, to celebrate a partnership which has raised vital funds for both organisations.

The partnership kicked off back in September 2023 when The 1st Central County Ground became home to Shaun’s Neon Car Wash.

The home of the Sussex Sharks was one of 40 locations across Brighton and Hove that had its own individually designed sheep, which was part of the Shaun the Sheep Art Trail.

With the sheep now set to depart from the ground before being auctioned off at the end of the month for vital funds, Martlets staff and supporters were invited to Fireworks Night at Sussex to celebrate the partnership and thank those who do so much for hospice care in our city.

The Shaun by the Sea Sponsors and Hospice staff were treated to a VIP reception and enjoyed food and drinks in a private hospitality area for the display.

Speaking on a special night, Tanya Hunt, Income Generation Director from Martlets said: “It was a brilliant way to mark the end of our Shaun by the Sea Trail, and the fantastic partnership we have built with all at Sussex Cricket Foundation.

“If you have missed seeing Shaun’s Neon Car Wash at the County Ground, there’s still time to see all the Shauns at our Farewell Event 24 – 26 November at Brighton Centre.”

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: “We have been delighted to support Martlets and their Shaun by the Sea Trail over the last few months.

“Not only has it driven visitors to The 1st Central County Ground but is also helped build a long-lasting relationship between the Foundation and the team at Martlets, who do an amazing job in providing care for the terminally ill.

“Supporting our local community is extremely important to us and I hope Martlets raise plenty of money at their ‘farewell event’ later this month.”

Make sure you take your selfies with our Shaun, upload them to social media and tag @SussexCricketFd and @martletshospice to be in with a chance of winning a T20 Sussex Sharks shirt, signed by the entire team!

You can find out more about Martlets by visiting their website.

And to find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please click here.

Sussex Cricket can confirm that the ECB Integrity Team has concluded its investigation into Ari Karvelas following the LV= Insurance County Championship match against Leicestershire on September 13th.

The ECB Integrity Team has confirmed that there has not been a breach of the ECB Regulations and therefore, no further action will be taken. The Club now considers this matter closed and will not comment further.

Sussex Women's Mary Taylor has earned her first professional contract with the Southern Vipers. The 19-year-old seamer has signed a deal that will see her remain a Vipers player until at least 2024. 

She made her debut in the 2022 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, where she took 2-22 against South East Stars in the Eliminator at Beckenham, before being a regular in the first XI in 2023.

The now 19-year-old took 16 wickets across 17 matches in 2023, with a best of 4-39 coming against Thunder at Arundel Castle.

Mary told the Ageas Bowl website: "I am delighted to be offered my first full contract with the vipers and I’m excited to continue my cricket development as a part of the Southern Vipers family.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first full season as part of the senior Vipers squad and pleased that I helped contribute to some silverware along the way."

Mary joins fellow Sussex players; Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp and Danni Wyatt in the Vipers squad. 

Congratulations, Mary!