Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Tymal Mills has signed a T20 contract extension with the Club.

Mills, who has been with the Club since 2014, has extended his stay with the Sharks until at least 2026. 

The World Cup champion wrote his name in Sharks history last season when he became the Club's all-time leading T20 wicket-taker. 

Sussex took the unique step to recognise his achievements at Hove, by awarding him a County Cap, something usually only reserved for players who play red-ball cricket.

But such has been his impact on the team, Paul Farbrace felt he deserved the recognition.

Speaking on securing the services of Mills once again, Sussex Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, said: "Tymal is a world-class bowler who brings his A game every day.

"He is a consummate professional and gives so much to this Club. We are all thrilled he will be helping us drive things forward for the next three seasons."

Watch the exclusive interview with Tymal to hear his thoughts on his new deal and his hopes for the next few years at The 1st Central County Ground. 

The ECB have today announced the fixtures for the 2024 seasons, with some changes to the Vitality Blast schedule, news of international matches and an outground fixtures at Arundel Castle.

• Sussex will return to Arundel Castle for one-day fixture
• More weekend games in the T20 Vitality Blast
• Back-to-back games on Sky Sports in July
• White-ball finals both to be played in September

Pre-season friendlies

The Men’s first-team will begin in March when they travel to India for a pre-season tour, before returning to play two friendlies at The 1st Central County Ground.

Both will be two-day red-ball friendlies, the first against Surrey starting on Monday 25th March and the second against Hampshire starting on Friday 29th March.

County Championship

Sussex will begin the County Championship season at The 1st Central County Ground on Friday 5th April, with Northamptonshire being the first visitors to Hove in 2024.

The opening day fixture proceeds a block of six County Championship games, all starting on a Friday, concluding with a trip to Lord’s on 24th May to take on Middlesex, who were relegated from Division One last season.

Two more County Championship will take place in June and two more in August, with the red-ball season concluding with three Championship games in September.

The final game of the season will start on Thursday 26th September, when Sussex host John Simpson’s former side, Middlesex to wrap-up the campaign.

T20 Vitality Blast

Next year’s T20 Vitality Blast campaign will get underway on the evening of Friday 31st May, with the Sharks taking on Gloucestershire at Hove.

You’ll notice that more Blast fixtures in 2024 will be played over weekends, giving fans more opportunities to come and watch the Sharks.

The entire Blast campaign will be split into two sections, the first running from Friday 31st May until Friday 21st June.

Our first block will conclude in what has been dubbed “Rivals Week” when we take on Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

"Rivals Week" will see a total of 10 of county cricket’s closest rivals competing against each other over seven days.

The next block of group games will start on Friday 5th July and will conclude on Friday 19th July, with the "Friday Finale" fixture against Middlesex at The 1st Central County Ground.

Quarter-finals will be played across four days in September, starting on Tuesday 3rd until Friday 6th.

Finals Day will take place once again at Edgbaston on Saturday 14th September, meaning both men's white-ball finals will take place in the final month of the season.

Outground cricket returns

Sussex Cricket is delighted to confirm that the men’s team will return to Arundel Castle this year, when they take on Hertfordshire in a 50-over friendly to prepare for the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

This fixture will take place on Sunday 21st July, with the Southern Vipers also playing at Arundel Castle on Monday 27th May in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Metro Bank One Day Cup

Prior to the start of the competition Sussex Sharks will play two National County 50-over friendlies, the first will see Sussex Sharks return to Arundel Castle on Sunday 21st July to play Hertfordshire, followed by an away game against Berkshire on Tuesday 23rd July.

The Metro Bank One Day Cup will start on Friday 26th July with a trip to Nottinghamshire to take on the Notts Outlaws.

The first home game will take place at The 1st Central County Ground on Sunday 28th July when the Sharks welcome Warwickshire.

International cricket

The England Women’s team will return to Hove once again, taking on New Zealand Women in an IT20 on Tuesday 9th July, live on Sky Sports. That game proceeds the Sussex Sharks taking on Hampshire Hawks live on Sky Sports the following night.

Tickets are available to purchase now for England Women vs New Zealand Women, by clicking here.

The England U19s will also be playing two IT20s at The 1st Central County Ground on Monday 1st and Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

Southern Vipers

The Southern Vipers will play two games at The 1st Central County Ground. The first the Charlotte Edwards Cup on Wednesday 19th June and the next in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy against the Western Storm on Sunday 30th June.

The Vipers will also play the Sunrisers are Arundel Castle on Monday 27th May.

2024 Membership and Blast Pass information

With the fixtures now released, you can start to plan your summer at Hove.

2024 Memberships are available to purchase now and if you secure yours by tomorrow, you’ll receive an early bird discount. Full information can be found here.

Blast Passes for 2024 are also available to purchase now, with over 70% already sold, time is ticking to book your seat to see the Sharks this summer. Click here to find out more and get yours today.

Hospitality

A range of hospitality packages will be available across all formats of the game; showcasing first-class cricket in stunning surroundings, there is no better way to entertain clients, impress your colleagues, foster new business relationships, or celebrate a special occasion than to visit The 1st Central County Ground on a match day.

Hospitality packages for 2024 are being finalised but to register your interest please email corporatesales@sussexcricket.co.uk

You can view the full fixture list for 2024 by clicking here.

You can also download a PDF of the full fixture list by clicking the button below.

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce that former England international spinner, Phil Tufnell will be joining Michael Vaughan for a special afternoon of anecdotes, stories and laughs at the Foundation's flagship fundraiser, 'Where Cricket Meets...'.

That's two very special guests for the price of one! The fundraiser, taking place on Thursday 28th March 2024, helps to raise crucial funds for the Sussex Cricket Foundation and helps to provide significant funds to help the Foundation to continue to grow the game across Sussex.

Speaking on the event, Michael Vaughan said: “I’m really excited to be supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation with their fundraising, helping to support all the amazing work they carry out across the county, to increase participation and continue to make the game accessible to all.  

“I look forward to meeting everyone and having a fantastic afternoon in Sussex!” 

Make sure you grab your tickets while you can and secure a night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole with two legends of the English game. 

Ticket information

Tables of ten are priced at £1,000 or individual tickets can be purchased at £125pp, with all funds going directly to the Sussex Cricket Foundation. 

If you’d like to book a table, please click here.

To read about the important work the Foundation carries out in the county, look over their latest Impact Report  

Sussex Cricket can confirm that Ali Orr has left the Club and will join Hampshire.

Sussex Cricket have agreed to the termination of Orr’s contract for him to make the move and will receive compensation from Hampshire for the switch.

Orr had one year remaining on his contract and was seeking to renegotiate the terms with the Club, however with this not possible, he signalled his intentions to move elsewhere.

The opening batter came through the Sussex Pathway and was handed his first professional contract in 2021. He was then given a new multi-year deal following his performances for the Club.

After making his first-class debut for Sussex, Orr went on to make 51 appearances across all formats of the game, accumulating 2810 runs.

Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to wish Ali all the best in his career moving forward.

There is only one week remaining for you to secure your 2024 Membership at our early bird price! Purchase yours by the 24th November to receive a discount.

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.

2024 Membership pricing and information 

Early bird price

Purchase yours by the 24th November to receive a discount.

Multi-year membership

Once again, we will be offering a multi-year Sussex membership, available in 5, 10 and 15 year terms. Providing lifelong Sussex CCC supporters the opportunity to safeguard against future price increases, whilst pledging your allegiance to Good Old Sussex by the Sea for the long haul.

Paying by direct debit

Renewals and new memberships can also by purchased in full by direct debit, at a month of your choosing. If you secure your membership by the 22nd December, the money will be collected in full on 8th January 2024.

Payments for memberships purchased after this date, will be taken in full on 5th February 2024.

Need more information?

If you still have questions, or need some additional information, please visit our 2024 Membership FAQ's page.

 

In this week's Winter Watch we round-up all the call-ups for Sussex players who have been named in England squads. We take a look at a match winning performance from Nathan McAndrew, plus, Alfie Pyle makes his England debut. 

International call-ups for Sussex stars

It’s been a week of call-ups for Sussex players across the board, with players from the Men’s, Women’s and D40 side being called to represent their country.

Last Friday the ECB announced the England Women’s squad for the tour of India in December. The series will consist of three IT20s and a four-day Test.

Both Danni Wyatt and Freya Kemp of Sussex Women have been selected in the squad to play both formats!

Record-breaking Tymal Mills also received a call up to the England squad last week. T will be a part of the squad that will contest a five-match IT20 series against the West Indies this winter.

Alfie Pyle makes successful England debut

Sussex D40 star Alfie Pyle made the headlines once again this week, as he became the 43rd player to receive his England Learning Disability cap.

Alfie is part of the England side that is taking part in a IT20 tri-series against South Africa and Australia, in South Africa.

England made it two wins from their first two games in the series, first beating Australia by 63 runs and then South Africa by 81 runs.

McAndrew takes 9 wickets for South Australia

This week we announced that Australian seamer Nathan McAndrew would be re-joining Sussex for the 2024 season after a brilliant year with the Club in 2023.

McAndrew is back home playing for South Australia in the Marsh Sheffield Shield and has continued his fine form from England.

He was named player of the match in his latest outing, taking 9 wickets in the match, helping South Australia to a narrow 3-run victory over the Queensland Bulls at The Gabba.

You can view the scorecard and track his progress by visiting the Cricket Australia website.

Smith continues to take wickets in the WBBL

Linsey Smith was among the wickets once again for the Sydney Sixers, as they faced Hobart Hurricanes back-to-back in the Women’s Big Bash League.

The Sixes managed to make it two from two against the Hurricanes, with Smith taking 2-8 from her 3 overs in the first game, and then picked up 1-25 from her 4 overs in the second.

Harrison Ward to make debut for North Sydney

This weekend Sussex Shark Harrison Ward will make his debut for North Sydney Cricket Club as he looks to keep ticking over this winter after signing a new T20 contract with the Sharks. We'll have updates on his form throughout the coming months. 

Sussex D40 player, Alfie Pyle, made his debut for the England Learning Disability team this week, becoming the 43rd player in the country's history to receive an England cap.

In doing so, Alfie became the first ever Lord's Taverners Super 1s participant to go from a hub setting, through the county system and then on to represent England. The remarkable achievement caps off what has been an exceptional couple of years for the local batter.

Alfie was first part of history when he and his Sussex D40 side took part in the first ever disability cricket fixture at a professional cricket venue, when Sussex D40 hosted Surrey D40 at The 1st Central County Ground in June 2022.

On that afternoon, over 300 spectators witnessed Alfie smash his way to 162 runs, helping Sussex to a 118-run victory over Surrey at Hove.

Since then, Alfie has been recognised for his nationally for his efforts, when he recently won the 2023 Variety Disability Sports Awards Rising Star award.

Alfie is now part of the touring England Learning Disability squad in South Africa, where England are taking part in a tri-series against South Africa and Australia. England have begun the series in fine form, winning both of their opening games against the other two nations.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Alfie’s achievements. To become the first ever Super 1s participant to go and represent their country is a proud moment for everyone connected to Sussex Cricket.

"The profile of our County Disability Teams & Disability Cricket in general continues to rise and by having England players such as Alfie acting as role models, we hope they will inspire more participants with disabilities to either join our Super 1s programmes or join a local club in Sussex”.

Mark Curtin, CEO of Lord’s Taverners, added: “Congratulations to Alfie, a fantastic achievement for a very talented young Cricketer, who is also a great role model for so many young people.

“Lord’s Taverners is proud to partner with our friends at Sussex Cricket Foundation who create such an impactful environment, ensuring that Super 1s participants can enjoy themselves as they learn, develop and thrive!

“Together our two organisations work hard to empower all the young people on the Super 1s Disability Cricket Programme through community Cricket. Today we celebrate one of our own reaching the pinnacle of the game!”

To find out more about Lord’s Taverners, please visit https://www.lordstaverners.org/about-us/

Or, to find out about Disability Cricket in Sussex, visit https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation/disability-cricket

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