Sussex Cricket Society Unveils Star-Studded Winter Speaker Line-Up

The Sussex Cricket Society has announced another bumper schedule of fantastic events lined up for the winter, including guest speakers such as Matthew Hoggard MBE, Anya Shrubsole MBE and Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Paul Barber OBE. 

Following the AGM this week where Chair of Sussex Cricket, Jon Filby and Interim CEO of Sussex Cricket Mark West spoke to Members, the winter programme continues next month on 12th November, with a guest appearance from former Kent, Glamorgan and England all-rounder, Chris Cowdrey.

Each event will take place at The 1st Central County Ground, with all speakers now confirmed:

November 12th: Chris Cowdrey

December 10th: Angus Fraser MBE

January 14th: Matthew Hoggard MBE

February 11th: Anya Shrubsole MBE

March 11th: Paul Barber OBE

Having joined as a member for £20 or (£25 as joint members) for the year you can attend all events at the price of the tea or lunch and benefit from the excellent monthly newsletter which also includes more exact details of the timings and prices of the events.

To join the Sussex Cricket Society simply go to  www.sussexcricketsociety.org and click on "join" to pay your annual subscription.

The Cricket Collective Awards – 2025 Winners

The 2025 Cricket Collective Awards winners have been announced and we're celebrating some incredible volunteers from across Sussex. 

The Cricket Collective is the overarching term from the ECB that encompasses all volunteers across the recreational game, those we simply could not do without. 

Every year, the Sussex Cricket Foundation team and trustees take great pleasure in reading the citations submitted by club representatives, about the outstanding individuals who give so much time, energy and passion to cricket and their club. 

The winners have been announced across our social media channels during October and can be found on the Foundation - X, Instagram, Facebook & TikTok channels.

These winners will be invited to a match day during the 2026 season, to be presented with their awards and as a thank you for everything they do, and will continue to do, for cricket in Sussex.

Our winners for 2025 are:

Growing the Game: Matt Camp – Slinfold CC

Safe Hands Award: Suzanne Child – Steyning CC

Grounds Team of the Year: Aldwick CC – Alex Cooper & Team

The Metro Bank Champion of Girls' Cricket: Bethany Tagg – Buxted Park CC

Inspired to Play: David Thompson – Ferring CC

Unsung Hero: Mark Pavlovic – Roffey CC

Young Coach of the Year: Elliot Scott – Chichester Priory Park CC

Outstanding Contribution to Coaching: Barney Spencer – Broadwater CC

Rising Star: Ella Bartholomew – Lewes Priory CC

Game Changer: Elijah Geraets – Eastergate CC

Lifetime Achiever: Dave Parsons – Hurstpierpoint CC

All of the Sussex winners have been submitted to the ECB for national consideration, the winners of which will be announced in due course.

To read more about each of the winner’s stories click here.

New immersive drone light show, WILD, arrives in Brighton & Hove to bring the animal kingdom to life like never before

A new one-of-a-kind spectacle, WILD: The Drone Light Show, is coming to Brighton & Hove on 12 – 14 December 2025. 

Taking place at The 1st Central County Ground, the experience brings the animal kingdom to life in a dazzling fusion of cutting-edge technology, artistry, and music. 

Produced by Yuup and Celestial, WILD is touring venues across the UK in 2025, with Brighton & Hove set to host this spectacular show on the journey. Tickets go on general sale next Tuesday, 16 September, but audiences can join the waitlist via the Fever app and www.wilddroneshow.com to be the first to hear when they’re available.

Before the main event, guests can enjoy a family-friendly pre-show programme, including a food village and, in select venues, live music and fairground rides. The main event is a spectacular 40-minute performance in which over 600 drones light up the night sky, creating vivid depictions of four wild worlds — desert, ocean, arctic, and jungle — synchronised with music.

“With WILD, we set out to capture the wonder of the natural world and put audiences at the heart of it,” said Dominic Mills, Founder of Yuup. “When we asked our audiences what they most wanted to see in a drone show, the answer was clear: the animal kingdom. That inspired a journey across deserts, oceans, arctic worlds and jungles, brought vividly to life in the night sky — from penguins to polar bears.”

WILD is produced by Yuup, the marketplace for local experiences, in partnership with Celestial—a world-leading drone art company that fuses creative vision with technical mastery to deliver awe-inspiring shows. 

Together, they launched the UK’s first paid-for ticketed drone light shows in 2023. Since then, they have continued to captivate audiences with mesmerising productions such as A Christmas Carol and The Wizard of Oz, bringing breathtaking displays to cities across the country. To date, their shows have been enjoyed by more than 130,000 people.

Practical information:
● Location: The 1st Central Ground, Brighton & Hove
● Dates: 12 – 14 December 2025
● Price: Starting from £14 per adult and £9 per child (age 3+) for Early Bird
● Duration: 40 minutes
● Tickets: Waitlist available to sign up at www.wilddroneshow.com
 

Sussex Cricket is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark West as Interim Chief Executive, effective 20 October 2025.

Mark brings extensive leadership and transformation experience across UK and international businesses and is also a Trustee of the Sussex Cricket Museum. 

Most recently, he served as Interim Chief Information Officer at Breedon Group plc, where he designed and implemented a new technology operating model to support the company’s FTSE 250 listing. His previous senior roles include positions with JAB Luxury GmbH, Stanley Gibbons Group plc and Harrods Ltd, as well as founding and leading his own management consultancy.

Mark will support Sussex Cricket through its transition period while the process to appoint a permanent CEO is underway.

Speaking about his appointment, Mark West said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sussex Cricket as Interim Chief Executive. Thank you to Chair Jon Filby and the Sussex Cricket Limited Board for offering me this exciting opportunity. 

“I look forward to engaging with the Members, sponsors and supporters; and working with the Sussex colleagues and partners to plan and prepare for the 2026 season.”

Jon Filby, Chair of Sussex Cricket, added: “I am very pleased that Mark, who initially joined us to participate in a Commercial review, has agreed to become our Interim Chief Executive. 

He will support the leadership team during the transition period ahead of the appointment of a new Chief Executive and will be responsible for overseeing the budget review and the development of operational plans for the 2026 season.”

Storrington village welcomed its very first Walking Cricket session last week, as eight enthusiastic participants gathered at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre to take part in the new initiative.

The session, which was delivered in partnership between Chanctonbury Leisure Centre and Sussex Cricket Foundation, proved to be a great success.

Walking Cricket is a slower-paced, inclusive version of the traditional game, designed to keep people active and connected. The sport follows adapted indoor cricket rules, where runs are scored by hitting the ball against the walls and walking between the creases. To accommodate the walking format, the non-striking batter has a separate crease, positioned around two-thirds of the length of a regular wicket, ensuring the game remains enjoyable and achievable for all. 

Lara Johnson, Cricket Development Officer, Sussex Cricket Foundation said: “Our first session was a lot of fun, what really struck me was the incredible sense of community. Eight players turned up, which included a complete mixture of experience levels, genders, members and non-members. Some were learning about the game from scratch, with no prior knowledge of the rules or how a game works; that's a testament to the safe space that the team at CLC have created. It’s great to be involved with this project and I have high hopes for the positive impact this project will have on people’s lives.”

Andi Dunstan, Operations Director, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre said: “It was great to see the first session met with such enthusiasm from the participants and having support from SCF has been invaluable. It’s clear that this is going to be a popular session moving forwards and we are looking forward to welcoming lots of new players over the next few weeks. All the sessions are free for October so now is the perfect time to give it a go!” 

With its combination of gentle physical activity, social interaction and the joy of cricket, Walking Cricket looks set to become a valued addition to CLC's calendar, which already includes other, popular walking sports.

Walking Cricket sessions take place every Thursday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and are free throughout October; after which they will remain free for members and cost £6 per session for non-members.

For details of all Walking Cricket clubs in Sussex please visit our dedicated website page here.

The Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League (SCL) has once again delivered a season brimming with excitement, as 145 clubs from across Sussex battled it out under glorious summer skies, for the most part!

From dramatic last-ball thrillers to commanding displays, the 2025 season has showcased the very best of Recreational Cricket in Sussex. As we wrap up another chapter, this end-of-season review highlights some of the champions and defining performances that have left an indelible mark on Saturday and Sunday afternoons across the county.

The competition throughout the 39 divisions & T20 Cups has been intense, with most divisions finely poised going into the later stages of the season. Making for some exciting promotion and relegation scenarios.

Participation numbers remain impressive, with 145 clubs and 363 teams taking part at the various tiers of the pyramid, remaining constant from 2024.

The total number of matches played has seen a significant increase – as 2850 matches were played in 2025 versus 2670 played in 2024.

Cancellations & abandoned matches also dropped from 13% in 2024 to 8% in 2025, largely down to some better weather. Equally the picture is positive when looking at conceded matches, which has fallen from 4% to 2% this year. All pointing towards an increasing amount of Cricket being played across the county.

Alongside the regular league season, the T20 Cup competitions concluded on Sunday 31 August at The 1st Central County Ground. Proving yet again, to be a fantastic annual showpiece for the league and Recreational Cricket as a whole.

In The Daniel Oliver T20 Cup, Three Bridges 1st XI went back-to-back claiming the Cup for a second year in a row, defeating Cuckfield 1st XI in the final by 55 runs.

The Paul Baker T20 Trophy - Winners: Three Bridges 2nd XI and Runners-Up: Chichester Priory Park 2nd XI.

T20 Plate - Winners: Sidley 1st XI and Runners-Up: Ifield 3rd XI.

SCL Division Standings

Horsham 1st XI [480pts] claimed the ECB Premier Division in emphatic style, wrapping up the title with four weeks to spare. Impressively they remained unbeaten throughout the entire season. With Preston Nomads 1st XI [388pts] finishing second and Three Bridges 1st XI [363pts] to round off the top three.

In stark contrast, the relegation battle provided some high drama on the final weekend, with East Grinstead 1st XI [270pts] and Ifield 1st XI [275pts] eventually being relegated. Bognor Regis 1st XI [282pts] on the other hand, pulled off a ‘great escape’ winning four of their last five matches including a last day win vs East Grinstead, to rescue themselves from a desperate situation.

In Division 2, the title was won by Hastings & St Leonards Priory 1st XI [446pts] - after relegation from the top-flight in 2023, they managed to return at the first time of asking. West Chiltington & Thakeham 1st XI [394pts] finished second, securing promotion to the Premier Division for the first-time in the club’s history. Following near misses in the previous two seasons, it was a story of third-time lucky!

In Division 3 West, Pagham 1st XI [410pts] proved comfortable winners and in Division 3 East, Bolney 1st XI [467pts] maintained their impressive record, losing only one match all season to also take the title with ease.

The post-season Division 3 play-off matches added further spice, as the second-place sides from the East and West Divisions battled it out for a chance to challenge the 8th place side in Division 2.

In the Eliminator play-off, Little Common Ramblers 1st XI [East - 437pts] played Chichester Priory Park 1st XI [West - 378pts] in a rain-affected match, that unfortunately ended as a no-result on the day. However, by virtue of their better regular season record Little Common Ramblers won through to the Challenger play-off against Division 2’s Buxted Park 1st XI, the following weekend.

In a tightly contested encounter kindly hosted at Glynde & Beddingham CC, Little Common Ramblers eventually triumphed by 3 wickets, to claim promotion to Division 2 for the first-time in the club’s history. Unfortunately, this meant that Buxted Park joined Roffey 2nd XI and Mayfield 1st XI in relegation to Division 3.

Selection of other Division winners:

Division 4 West – Slinfold 1st XI

Division 4 East - St Peters 1st XI

Division 5 West - West Chiltington & Thakeham 2nd XI

Division 5 Central - Brighton & Hove 2nd XI

Division 5 East - Herstmonceux 1st XI

Division 6 West - Bosham 1st XI

Division 6 Central - Ifield 2nd XI

Division 6 East - Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI

For the full standings & winners in each division, visit The Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League official website.

SCL Individual Performances

Throughout the season, we have reported on some truly impressive feats, so making this list is an outstanding achievement.

Here are the 10 standout performances with bat & ball after the conclusion of the season: 

Best Batting Performances

Sreevalsan Gangadharan, 251* - Kerala Strikers Sports Club 1st XI in Division 8 East

Renai Gransult, 228 – Worthing 2nd XI in Division 5 West

Mohammed Siyamdeen, 221* - Serendib 2nd XI in Division 12 West (North)

Nimanda Subasinghe, 213* - St Peters 1st XI in Division 4 East

Tom Marchant, 210 – Eastbourne 2nd XI in Division 5 East

Sandeep Satheesh, 208 – Bexhill Strikers 1st XI in Division 10 East

Nimanda Subasinghe, 205 – St Peters 1st XI in Division 4 East

Rory Delves, 204* - Brighton & Hove 4th XI in Division 7 West

James Smillie, 199 – Pulborough 1st XI in Division 11 West (North)

Louis Storey, 198 – West Chiltington & Thakeham 1st XI in Division 2

Best Bowling Performances

Tom Ellis, 8/12 – Scaynes Hill 1st XI in Division 5 Central

Tyler Nevill, 8/21 – Ifield 2nd XI in Division 6 Central

Kimani Mbugua, 8/30 – Copthorne 1st XI in Division 8 Central

Olly Manns, 8/39 – Ansty 2nd XI in Division 7 Central

Jake Vosloo, 8/71 – Mayfield 1st XI in Division 2

Carl Cooper, 7/3 – Bognor Regis 4th XI in Division 12 West (South West)

Harsh Hemrajani, 7/5 – Copthorne 1st XI in Division 8 Central

Matthew Varndell, 7/5 – Seaford 3rd XI in Division 11 East (South)

James Abbott, 7/9 – Hailsham 4th XI in Division 11 East (North)

Elliot Henning, 7/13 – Lewes Priory 2nd XI in Division 9 Central

As well as standout performances, consistency over a season is key, therefore here’s a look at the overall leading run-scorers and wicket-takers from across all Divisions & T20 Cups matches combined.

Leading Run-scorers

Luke Beaufort, 1196 @ 74.8 – Three Bridges 1st XI

Renai Gransult, 1113 @ 55.7 – Worthing 2nd XI

Jonathan Haffenden, 1102 @ 84.8 – Sidley 1st XI

Malcolm Johnson, 1024 @ 53.9 – Little Common Ramblers 1st XI

Nimanda Subasinghe, 1016 @ 92.4 – St Peters 1st XI

Saurabh Wakaskar, 998 @ 52.5 – Bolney 1st XI

Mohammed Siyamdeen, 996 @ 90.6 – Serendib 2nd XI

Mohamed Razick, 977 @ 97.7 – Smallfield Manor 2nd XI

Jake Hainsworth, 955 @ 59.7 – Hailsham 1st XI

Aaron Tugnutt, 939 @ 58.7 – Chippingdale 1st XI

Leading Wicket-takers

Sabbir Ahmed, 49 wickets @ 9.1 – Sidley 1st XI

Tyler Nevill, 48 wickets @ 6.6 – Ifield 2nd XI

Chanuka Rahinduge, 46 wickets @ 8.9 – Slinfold 1st XI

Alfie Hunter, 47 wickets @ 20.5 – Buxted Park 1st XI

Naimat Zafary, 46 wickets @ 10.2 – Lewes St Michaels 1st XI

James Mayne, 45 wickets @ 16.2 – Chichester Priory Park 2nd XI

Muhammed Arif, 44 wickets @ 11 – Crawley Eagles 2nd XI

Tapiwa Mufudza, 44 wickets @ 15.7 – St James’s Montefiore 1st XI

Kaleb Auld, 43 wickets @ 13.9 – Little Common Ramblers 1st XI

Nick Smith, 42 wickets @ 13.5 – Pagham 1st XI

Comprehensive results, division standings and statistics can be found on The Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League official website and the Sussex Cricket Foundation social media channels.

Give the Foundation a follow on - X, Instagram, Facebook & TikTok and connect with the Cricket community!

On behalf of both the Sussex Cricket League & the Sussex Cricket Foundation, we would like to extend our thanks to all clubs and their volunteers, who have worked tirelessly over the summer to make Cricket happen. Thanks also to our headline sponsors, Dean Wilson Solicitors and ball sponsors, Gray Nicolls – whose continued support is vital to the success of the league.

Stay tuned for a review of the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women's Cricket League coming up next week.

Photo courtesy of Martin Denyer

James Coles and John Simpson Named in IG PCA Men's Team of the Year 2025

The Sussex duo have been selected for the 2025 IG PCA Men's Team of the Year, which is chosen by using the PCA's MVP ranking system, powered by OFX, to select the statistically best team in the country.

Between them, the pair amassed more than 3,000 runs across all formats this season, with both players surpassing 1,000 runs in the Rothesay County Championship, during the final match of the season at Worcestershire.

Coles has already been recognised for his wonderful 2025 campaign, taking home both the Red Ball and White Ball Player of the Year at the Club's End of Season Awards. 

His 1,032 County Championship runs came at an average of 46.9 and the 21-year-old also took 35 wickets across all formats.

As for Simpson, it was another fantastic year for the Sussex captain. He finished as the fourth-highest run scorer in Division One, with 1,086 runs at an average of 60.33 with four centuries to his name. It was another sparkling year for him with the gloves, too, with 66 dismissals to his name across all formats.

Congratulations, both! #GOSBTS

Full PCA Press Release:

The ultimate domestic players in 2025 have been chosen by the PCA Most Valuable Player Rankings, powered by OFX, to create the 2025 IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year. 

Incredibly, seven players are making their debuts in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year with only Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott, Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke and Durham’s Alex Lees joining Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard as previously selected players. There is further PCA Awards pedigree in the team with Leicestershire’s Rehan Ahmed and Sussex’s James Coles shortlisted for the Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award with Essex’s Jordan Cox nominated for the main prize.

Worcestershire’s Tom Taylor picked up the most bowling points in the year with an impressive 346.89 points, largely thanks to finishing the season as the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship. Cox achieved the most batting points in a phenomenal year earning 394.89, finishing ahead of Lees and Clarke. The 24-year-old also picked up The Hundred Men’s Player of the Year, lifting the trophy with Oval Invincibles. 

All-rounder Ed Barnard returns to the side from 2024 in a season that saw him dominate domestic cricket. The 29-year-old once again displayed his fine all-round talents winning the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP award, Barnard is also nominated for the Toyota PCA Men’s Player of the Year accolade, having been nominated for the Young Player title in 2018 – a year in which he also made the best men’s XI. 

This well-balanced side has been selected via the MVP with points from the Rothesay County Championship, Vitality Blast, Metro Bank One Day Cup and The Hundred PCA MVP all taken into consideration. The MVP takes into account batting, bowling and fielding contributions as well as match defining efforts using a unique algorithm developed by CricViz. Therefore, the top 11 players according to the MVP points are not automatically selected, with players such as Worcestershire’s Ethan Brookes and Surrey’s Will Jacks unlucky to miss out due to the strength of all-rounder options.

The PCA Awards in partnership with Toyota takes place at Exhibition White City, London on Thursday 9 October where the most prestigious awards ceremony in the game will celebrate the top performing players in international and domestic cricket. 

All players selected in the 2025 IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year will receive a personalised winners medal from official trophy partner, Mappin & Webb. 

Alex Lees (Durham)

• 418.95 MVP points

• 1,736 runs in all competitions

• Scored hundreds in all three formats

• Averaged 71 in One Day Cup with two centuries

Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)

• 359.97 MVP points

• Captained Nottinghamshire to County Championship title

• Second leading run-scorer in County Championship Divisions One with 1,258

• Four hundreds in County Championship, averaging 66.21

Joe Clarke (Nottinghamshire / Birmingham Phoenix)

• 397.83 MVP points

• 1,313 runs in all competitions

• 420 runs in the Blast, including four fifties

• 160.3 strike-rate in the Blast

Jordan Cox (Essex / Oval Invincibles) 

• 453.89 MVP points, most batting points with 394.89

• Won The Hundred Men’s Player of the Year

• Leading run-scorer in The Hundred and won title with Oval Invincibles

• Shortlisted for Toyota PCA Men’s Player of the Year

James Coles (Sussex / Southern Brave)

• 548.86 MVP points

• Scored 1,032 County Championship runs, averaging 46.9

• Scored 1,553 and took 35 wickets in all competitions

• Shortlisted for Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year

Ed Barnard (Warwickshire) Captain

• 555.82 MVP points

• Won PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP award

• 1,615 runs in all competitions with four hundreds

• Shortlisted for Toyota PCA Men’s Player of the Year

Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire / Trent Rockets)

• 454.12 MVP points

• Scored 1,284 runs and took 43 wickets in all competitions

• Scored five County Championship hundreds

• Shortlisted for Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year

John Simpson (Sussex / London Spirit) Wicketkeeper

• 394.49 MVP points

• Took 66 dismissals and scored 1,560 runs in all competitions

• Scored 1,086 runs in County Championship, averaging 60.33

• Scored four County Championship hundreds with 181* highest score

David Willey (Northamptonshire / Trent Rockets)

• 398.07 MVP points

• Won Vitality Blast Men’s Player of the Year

• Scored 452 in the Blast with four fifties

• Took 20 wickets in the Blast and nine in The Hundred

Tom Taylor (Worcestershire)

• 459.23 MVP points

• Leading wicket-taker in County Championship Division One with 58

• Most MVP bowling points with 346.89

• 20 white-ball wickets across the Blast and One Day Cup

Kyle Abbott (Hampshire)

• 408.69 MVP points

• Second leading wicket-taker in County Championship Division One with 56

• Averaged 20.69 with four five-fers in County Championship

• Bowled most maidens in County Championship Division One with 134

View the full Men’s Overall Domestic MVP table here.

A Night to Remember: Sussex Cricket Celebrates at End of Season Awards

The Sussex Cricket family came together in style for this year’s End of Season Awards Night, an evening filled with smiles, stories, and standing ovations, hosted by Adrian Harms. 

It was a chance to look back on the highs of 2025, to recognise the incredible efforts of players, staff, and supporters, and to celebrate the spirit of cricket in our county.

From unforgettable moments on the pitch to the tireless dedication behind the scenes, every award told its own story of passion and pride.

Most Improved Players of the Year – Sponsored by The Aldridge Foundation 

There was loud applause for those who made huge strides in their game this season:

• Disability Cricket: Jake Vosloo
• Women’s Team: Phoebe Wilkinson
• Men’s Team: Danial Ibrahim

Staff Awards

• Outstanding Contribution: Chris Holmes
• Sparkling Moment of the Year: Russell Bennett
• Frank Stonehouse Trophy: Ray Holdway

A special thank you to all our staff, who make every day at Sussex Cricket possible.

Community Awards 

Cricket is nothing without its people, and this year’s awards reminded us just how strong our community is:

• Sussex Supporter of the Year: Ian Cuthbert
  • Other nominees for Supporter of the Year were as follows: Colin Bowman, Gary Bryant, Randy Baldwin, Brenda, Roger Packham, David Jarvis, Jon Filby, Chris Bourn, Christine Cheeseman, Gill Tee, Jack Davies, Jackie Bull, Joe and Maureen Barnett
• Sussex Cricket Foundation Community Participant of the Year: Max Wildman 

Sparkling Moments of the Year – Sponsored by Roebuck Estates

These are the memories that lit up the season and had Sussex fans talking:

• Disability Cricket: Marcus Kipling and Alex Towers - Sussex Sharks VI batters winning the cup at Hove
• Women’s Team: Mollie Adams – for her century in the ODC
• Men’s Team: Sean Hunt – for his winning boundary vs Lancs in the ODC

Players of the Season – Sponsored by DentalBuild

And then, of course, came the big ones – the players who stood out and led the way in 2025:

• Disability Cricket: Phil Daniels
• Women’s T20 Player: Rachel King
• Women’s 50-Over Player: Mollie Adams
• Men’s Red-Ball Player: James Coles
• Men’s White-Ball Player: James Coles

The Chair’s Award

The evening ended on a fitting note with the prestigious Sussex Cricket Chair’s Award, which went to Keith Greenfield in recognition of his outstanding service and unwavering dedication to developing talent from the Pathway to the Sussex first team. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A special thank you goes to our valued partners – DentalBuild, The Aldridge Foundation, and Roebuck Estates – whose support makes nights like this possible. Their commitment helps us to grow the game, support our teams, and strengthen cricket across Sussex.

Tom Haines Selected for England Lions

The ECB have today announced that Sussex batter Tom Haines has been selected for the England Lions squad that will tour Australia this winter. 

It's been another standout season for the opening bat, who reached 1075 first-class runs this season, making three centuries and five half-centuries at an average of 41.34. 

A well-earned call-up once again. Congratulations, Tom! #GOSBTS

Full ECB Release:

England Lions confirm squad for Australia tour

An 18-player England Lions squad has been named for this winter’s tour of Australia.

The squad will assemble in Australia in early November ahead of matches in Perth, Canberra and Brisbane.
  
England Lions squad (18 players):
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Jordan Cox (Essex)
Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
Nathan Gilchrist (Warwickshire)
Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
Tom Haines (Sussex)
Josh Hull (Leicestershire)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Ben Kellaway (Glamorgan)
Tom Lawes (Surrey)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Matthew Revis (Yorkshire)
James Rew (Somerset)
Thomas Rew (Somerset)
Mitchell Stanley (Lancashire)
Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
  
The squad includes four Test-capped players in Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher, Tom Hartley and Josh Hull while Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox have both also been capped by England in limited-overs internationals.

England Men Under-19s captain Thomas Rew is one of four players who are called up to the Lions for the first time alongside Matthew Revis and Glamorgan duo Ben Kellaway and Asa Tribe.

England Lions Head Coach, Andrew Flintoff, said: “There are some unbelievably talented players in this squad, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them to go to Australia, excel in the conditions, and thrive against quality players. At the same time, these players will get a sense of what an away Ashes series is all about.

“Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with them to embrace that opportunity and help to build the experiences and skills that will benefit their careers.”

The England Lions will stage development camps in October at the ECB Performance Centre (Loughborough University) before touring Australia.

After arriving in Perth, the Lions will play England Men in a three-day warm-up at Lilac Hill from 13 November and ahead of the first men’s Ashes Test at Optus Stadium.

The Lions will play a four-day match against a Cricket Australia XI at Lilac Hill before an England XI takes on a Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day day-night match in Canberra.

The Lions conclude their tour with a four-day match against Australia A in Brisbane, at the same time as the second men’s Ashes Test.
 

Sussex survived a late fourth innings scare to secure a three-wicket win over Worcestershire on the third morning of their final Rothesay County Championship fixture of the season

The final four wickets of the Worcestershire innings fell inside 25 minutes of the third morning, where the hosts could only add 16 runs to their overnight total, as Ollie Robinson took his second five wicket haul of the match.

Requiring just 61 to win, Sussex made hard work of the chase, eventually knocking off the total with Worcestershire seamer Tom Taylor finishing with 4-22 on his way to ending the season with 58 Division One wickets. 

With the fate of both sides already sealed, the visitors’ final flourish saw them secure a mid-table finish, whilst the Pear’s resilient efforts went unrewarded with relegation already confirmed. 

Ben Gibbon was the first wicket to fall on a troubling morning for Worcestershire, when he was pinned LBW after offering no shot to an Ollie Robinson delivery that nipped back and clipped the pad of the nightwatchman, bring an end to his stubborn knock of 13.  

Roderick was the next man to depart, when his innings of 27 was brought to a close by the impressive Jaydev Unadkat who claimed his seventh wicket of a match dominated by the Sussex seamers.  

Matthew Waite and Ben Allison were dismissed in successive balls as Robinson finished with five wickets in the innings, walking away with superb match-figures of 11-142. 

Chasing 61 to win, Sussex lost opener Tom Haines for one when an excellent, diving catch at slip by Rob Jones to open the Worcestershire account.

A seemingly routine chase was momentarily thrown into doubt however, as Sussex slipped to 28-4, losing Hughes (16) and Coles (0) in consecutive overs courtesy of Taylor and Ben Allison, before Taylor struck for the 57th time this season in Division One to have Tom Alsop caught at slip. 

With just 16 required to win, Worcestershire refused to go down without a fight, as Matthew Waite claimed a wicket with his first ball of his spell, with first innings centurion John Simpson caught by Rehaan Edavalath after mistiming a pull shot into the deep.

Taylor had time to claim his 58th wicket of the season before Waite struck for a second time with Sussex still requiring three to win, but Ollie Robinson hit the winning runs through midwicket for his side to ensure they ended the season with a win.