Winter Watch | Week 7
Right, let's get straight to it. Yes, there is another (brief) England update to navigate, yet with the commencement with the Big Bash League in Australia there is now plenty more to write home about. Take it away, Tom...
Tom Alsop
Having missed Brisbane Heat's opening match of the Big Bash League with injury, the powerful batter was also an absentee in today's thrilling match with Perth Scorchers, in which Brisbane dramatically chased down Perth's total of 257 with the penultimate ball.
It is hoped that Alsop will be fit for their next match on December 22, where they'll face Sydney Thunder at 8.15GMT.
Jofra Archer
A rather lone shining light on this Ashes series for England with the potential for Australia to win the series before the fourth Test, Archer took five wickets in the opening innings at Adelaide and overnight scored a maiden Test fifty - finally out for 51.
Anna Buckle
A fabulous showing with the bat from Bankstown's Ava Dragovic proved the catalyst for a nine-wicket defeat for Anna Buckle's UTS North Sydney at the weekend
With the dearth of wickets suggests this wasn't to be Buckle's finest outing with the ball of the winter, though she did bowl economically in her four-over spell, going for 23 runs.
Oli Carter
A low-scoring thriller for Carter's Sturt last weekend that ended in a positive result, yet a difficult outing with the bat for the Sussex wicket-keeper over his two innings, making 9 and 6 respectively.
This, though, was actually more runs than his opening batting partner, Josh de Caires, mustered in the match, with a fine second innings stint at the crease from Brad Davis ensuring Sturt reached the finish line. Behind the stumps, Carter claimed two catches - both in the first innings.
Daniel Hughes
Swapping Eastern Suburbs for Sydney Sixers, Hughes is another Sussex representative in the Big Bash this year. Opening the batting in both games, it was a tricky start for the Aussie alongside Babar Azam, who has found similar difficulty with the bat.
Both have scored 13 runs this campaign, with their Sixers side still in search of a first win in the competition this year.
Nathan McAndrew
Our third and final Shark featuring in the BBL, McAndrew is clad in Sydney Thunder's green once again this year and earned a wicket in their opening match against Hobart Hurricanes.
Bowling 2 overs for 21 runs, he did pick up the valuable wicket of Matthew Wade just as the wicket-keeper batter was starting to accelerate. McAndrew's Thunder are next in action on Saturday, in the Sydney derby against Hughes' Sixes, at 8.15am GMT.
Ollie Robinson
A tidy two-wicket haul for Robinson in his most recent match with Sydney University in what was a quite blistering performance against UNSW.
A 50-over match, Sydney Uni needed fewer than 17 overs to chase down the target of 101, which UNSW took 42.1 overs to make. Robinson bowled beautifully in his 10 overs with the ball, earning five maidens and going for just 19 runs.
Jayden Seales
Another week, another Seales update from New Zealand. And it's their final Test of the series at Mount Maunganui as we report following Close on Day 2.
It's been a good series for Seales, and here...
And that'll do it for Week 7, and indeed 2025 as we pause for a short winter break ourselves. Winter Watch shall return on 5th January, where we'll provide a comprehensive update from around the globe over the festive period.
Sussex Quintet selected in 2026 DPL
Sussex Quintet Selected in Disability Premier League Draft
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that five Sussex players have been selected in the inaugural Disability Premier League Draft, held at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough last week.
Liam O’Brien, Alfie Pyle and Owen Piper were all drafted to the Tridents, while Jake Vosloo will represent the Hawks and Elliot Brown has been selected by the Black Cats.
The announcement comes after news earlier this week that Alfie Pyle, Jake Vosloo and Liam O’Brien have earned selection for the England Men’s Mixed Disability team, who will tour India in January next year.
The Disability Premier League is set to return next summer, marking an important milestone for disability cricket in England.
The competition will bring together the country’s leading disabled cricketers, providing a high-performance environment and increased opportunities for players to showcase their talent on a national stage.
Fixtures in the inaugural season will take place on 7 June, 5 July, 6 September and 17 September, with players representing their franchise teams across a series of competitive match days.
Sussex Cricket Foundation's Disability Cricket Manager, Tom Belcher, said: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding achievements, hard work and dedication demonstrated by each of these talented individuals. Sussex Cricket Foundation’s Disability Pathway continues to maintain its recognition as a nationally leading disability pathway.
“Celebrating the success of these 5 players retained within this year’s DPL draft and 3 international players head on tour to India, representing England in the Mixed Disability IT20, five-game series”.
Everyone at Sussex Cricket congratulates Liam, Alfie, Owen, Jake and Elliot on their selections and wishes them the very best for the upcoming Disability Premier League season.
Save the date - Sussex Cricket will host the Mixed Disability Sharks 1st XI vs Hampshire at the 1st Central County Ground on Sunday 17th May, 2026, following our annual DIScoverABILITY Day on Friday 15th May 2026.
Winter Watch | Week 6
Hurtling towards Christmas at velocity now, another Friday arrives with another Winter Watch, too. What have we today, then? In this week's edition, we bring news from afar, as usual, with prominent performances with both bat and ball. Let's commence in Brisbane...
Tom Alsop
Returning to Brisbane Heat after debuting in the BBL last winter, Alsop's campaign will begin on 15 December at Melbourne Renegades.
You can keep up to date with Alsop's BBL campaign here.
Jofra Archer
At around this time last week we were singing the praises of England and Bazball after Joe Root had recorded his first century in Australia and Archer had added valuable runs to the first innings total with a stellar cameo.
Yet cricket is a cruel sport, particularly from an English persuasion. 24 hours later and Archer and England were staring down the barrel at a 2-0 deficit in the Ashes. Best to move swiftly on and look ahead to Adelaide...
Anna Buckle
For what seems to be the umpteenth time in this Winter Watch series, we're once again shining the light on a brilliant Buckle display with the ball in a comprehensive victory for UTS North Sydney.
Skittling St-George Sutherland all out for a mere 64, Buckle's side earned a 34-run win with the Sussex bowler taking three wickets from her four over spell for the loss of 16 runs. That'll help the average.
Oli Carter
It was a strong showing with the bat for Carter in a high-scoring One Day Cup clash against Port Adelaide last weekend.
A narrow defeat - Port Adelaide reaching the 278 target with 14 balls to spare - but Carter made a reputable 40 in what was his side's (Sturt) second highest score.
Tom Haines
A good, solid, effective stint captaining England Lions atop the batting order for Haines spawned notable scores of 77, 38 and 31 with the bat whilst also claiming figures of 2/51 with the ball in the penultimate match of the Tour.
A valuable outing for our top-order batter, who will return to Sussex full of confidence ahead of the forthcoming 2026 season.
Daniel Hughes
Following the mention of his winter high-score of 55 last time out, Hughes' success alas did not quite carry over into last weekend's showing having been a victim in a brutal opening Ryan Fletcher spell that claimed the opening four batters.
They sealed the win, though, by 52 runs courtesy of a stellar Max Glen century.
Dan Ibrahim
It's the big one! Dan Ibrahim versus George Thomas, Cornwall versus Central Hawkes Bay. And both Sussex players can walk away with their heads held high following an entertaining T20 match.
We'll start with Ibrahim, though, for this is his chapter. Excellent he was with the bat, ripping a raucous 89 runs from just 50 deliveries - an innings that featured six fours and seven sixes. Who took his wicket, you say? Well, you must read on for such information...
Nathan McAndrew
A third consecutive fixture for McAndrew's South Australia side against Tasmania, and this one was perhaps the pick of the bunch as the all-rounder took five wickets across the match - two in the first inning, three in the second.
More importantly, though, was the outcome: a 10-wicket victory that shifts South Australia up to third in the Sheffield Shield table.
Ollie Robinson
Despite the defeat, it was a fairly profitable performance with the white ball for Robinson last Friday, as the bowler earned excellent figures of 10-2-22-2 against Bankstown.
He's back in action tonight (11pm GMT), with his team facing UNSW in the Belvedere Cup.
Jayden Seales
There's always a Seales update, and it's often a positive one, too, even if his West Indies side aren't always getting the desired result.
But in the opening Test against New Zealand last week, his side were immaculate to earn a draw in the most unlikely circumstances. Seales claimed three wickets in the match, two more than he did in the second Test, which was won by New Zealand in the early hours of the morning.
1-0 it is, then, as they head into the third and final Test at Mount Maunganui, starting on the 17th December.
John Simpson
Coming in at 11th for the most runs scored in this year's Nepal Premier League with 172 in his eight matches with Kathmandu Gorkhas, his side's journey ended on Wednesday in the semi-final with Lumbini Lions.
He's kept wicket brilliantly and has ultimately enjoyed a successful stint in Nepal as he returns home in fine stead ahead of the forthcoming campaign with Sussex.
George Thomas
Well, you've waited this long to find out who dismissed Ibrahim in the Cornwall versus Central Hawkes Bay on the other side of the world and, indeed, it was Thomas! He took two wickets in the end during an efficient four over spell, and scored 20 runs in his side's innings with the bat as Ibrahim's side ran away with the victory.
Sussex Cricket releases Pathway data for 2025/26
Sussex Cricket has today announced its Academy and Emerging Player Programme intake for 2025/26, along with the supporting demographic data for the Talent Pathway.
Sussex Cricket Academy
Harrison Brayshaw, Zan Copleston, Arthur Hanson, Ollie Kirtley, Louie Lawrence, Ollie Mason, Ollie Offwood, Freddie Price, Alfie Smethurst, Ramsay Trainer.
Emerging Player Programme (EPP)
Ali Siddique, Archie Hall, George Bamford, Billy Hemmings, Angus Connolly, Charlie Eastman, Zac Hockley, Diyon De Silva, Ollie Hewitt.
Demographics of Academy & EPP vs Sussex Population
To benchmark the demographics data of the EPP and Academy, we have compared the numbers with the overall population data for the county of Sussex, taken from the 2021 Census.
| Sussex County % | Boys Academy & EPP % | |
| White | 89.05% | 84.22% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 15.78% |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 19 intakes in the Academy and EPP, 31.57% of those attend state schools within Sussex, with
Oxfordshire Cricket Partnership
Three players selected are from the Oxfordshire Cricket partnership in the Academy for the 2025/26 season.
County Junior Squad Data - Boys
The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Boys’ Sussex Cricket Pathway for 2025/26 from U13’s to U16’s.
| Sussex County % | Boys Pathway % | |
| White | 89.05% | 67.2% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 32.8 |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 64 boys currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 30 (46.87%) currently attend state schools, 34 (53.13%) attend independent schools.
Club info
30 Clubs have players selected across the u13-u16 pathway
SCF Boy’s early engagement programme u9-u12s and u13 & u15 Development District programme
The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Boys’ Sussex Cricket Pathway for 2025/26 from U9’s to U12’s.
| Sussex County % | Boys u9-u12 Pathway % | |
| White | 89.05% | 83.3% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 16.7% |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 378 boys currently in the Sussex Cricket Foundation Development Pathway, a total of 260 (68.78%) currently attend state schools, 117 (30.95%) attend independent schools, and 1 player (0.26%) is home schooled.
Club info
77 Clubs have players selected across the u9-u12 and u13 & u15 Development District programme.
Girls Vipers Academy
Mollie Adams, Lottie Curling
Girls Emerging Player Programme (EPP)
Fleur Baker, Issy Beattie, Sophie Beck, Eleanor Clark, Emily Groves, Naomi Hamilton, Eliza Harris, Emily James, Georgiana Pedley, Charlotte Rumboll, Grace Selby, Maya Taylor
Demographics of Sussex Girl’s Pathway
| Sussex County % | Girls EPP % | |
| White | 89.05% | 91.66% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 8.33% |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 12 intakes in the EPP, 33.33% of those attend state schools within Sussex, with
County Junior Squad Data – Girls’
The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Girls’ Sussex Cricket Pathway for 2025/26 from U13’s to U18’s.
| Sussex County % | Girls Pathway % | |
| White | 89.05% | 87.5% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 12.5% |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 88 girls currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 42 (47.72%) currently attend state schools, 45 (51.13%) attend independent schools and 1 (1.13%) is homeschooled.
Club info
37 Clubs have players selected across the u13-u18 pathway
SCF Girls’ early engagement programme u10-u12s Programme
The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Girls’ Sussex Early Engagement Programme for 2025/26 from U10’s to U12’s.
| Sussex County % | Girls u10-u12 Early Engagement% | |
| White | 89.05% | 83.6% |
| Mixed, Multiple Ethnic Groups, White: Other White | 10.95% | 15.5% |
State School vs Independent Data
Of the 116 girls’ currently in the Sussex Early Engagement Programme, a total of 70 (60.34%) currently attend state schools, 46 (39.65%) attend independent schools
Club info
40 Clubs have players selected across the u10-u12 Early Engagement programme.
*All data accurate as of 12th December 2025
Sussex Launches 12 Days of Christmas Campaign
12 Days. 12 Surprises. Endless Festive Cheer.
Starting on Saturday 13th 2025, we’re celebrating the countdown to Christmas with 12 days of giveaways, gifts and exclusive offers — all thanks to our sponsors, partners and the Sussex Cricket community.
Each day brings something new:
- Special gifts from our sponsors and partners
- Opportunities to win match tickets and unforgettable experiences
- Exclusive discounts on merchandise
- Hospitality offers for the perfect matchday
- Plus many more festive surprises
Whether you’re looking for the ideal stocking filler, hoping to win big, or simply enjoying the season, this is your chance to get involved.
How to Get Involved
Keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on social media. Each morning, we’ll reveal a new festive offer or prize — simply click through to discover the day’s surprise.
Don’t Miss a Day of Christmas Magic
Make sure you’re following Sussex Cricket across social media and subscribed to our emails so you don’t miss your chance to win or claim limited-time offers.
Please click here to find out more and read the terms and conditions of the competition.
Sussex Trio Selected for England
Sussex Trio Selected for England
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Liam O'Brien, Alfie Pyle and Jake Vosloo have all been selected to represent the England Men's Mixed Disability team.
The call-up represents a first for spinner Vosloo, who will be joined by experienced England internationals, Alfie Pyle and Liam O'Brien. The team will compete in a five-match IT20 series across the end of January and beginning of February.
Congratulations, Alfie, Jake and Liam! #GOSBTS
Full ECB Press Release:
England Men’s Mixed Disability team will travel to India on their first overseas tour in January 2026, after a successful trial home series this summer.
Selectors have named a 15-strong squad, with four new faces added to the group who beat the same opposition 6-1 in the first-ever series of Mixed Disability international cricket earlier this year.
Callum Flynn will continue as captain, with Jonathan Gale, Alex Hammond, Tom Meskell and Jake Vosloo called up for the first time in Mixed Disability Cricket.
For Tom Meskell and Jake Vosloo, it represents their inaugural international call-up. Should he feature in India, Jake Vosloo will become the youngest player to play Mixed Disability international Cricket, at 16 years of age.
The team will compete in a five-match IT20 series across the end of January and beginning of February.
Callum Flynn (Lancashire, PD, captain)
Angus Brown (Hampshire, PD)
James Dixon (Lancashire, Deaf)
Chris Edwards (Cheshire, LD)
Mohammad Farooq (Middlesex, Deaf)
Jonathan Gale (Surrey, LD)
Alex Hammond (Hampshire, PD)
Tom Meskell (Lancashire, LD)
Liam O’Brien (Sussex, PD)
Brendan Parr (Devon, PD)
Josh Price (Surrey, Deaf)
Alfie Pyle (Sussex, LD)
Jake Vosloo (Sussex, PD)
Henry Wainman (Yorkshire, Deaf)
Jordan Williams (Lancashire, PD)
Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin said: “We were hugely enthused by last summer’s trial series against India and it’s becoming increasingly clear that there is a global appetite for Mixed Disability cricket.
“We spoke when we launched last summer’s series about the challenges many international boards face in adequately and consistently supporting their disability teams and we firmly believe that Mixed Disability cricket will be a vehicle to drive the disability game forward. We are hearing a lot of encouraging noises from other Boards and we expect to be playing more Mixed Disability international series in the future.
“We’re delighted to be reciprocating India’s trip to the UK for our first overseas tour, and look forward to a competitive and entertaining series against a team who will no doubt provide a stern test. It’s great to see four new faces in the group and I’m sure they’ll all be doing everything they can to earn their place in the XI.”
Farbrace Hosts Special Sixes Ashes Breakfast
Ashes Breakfast Morning Serves Up Star Guests, Insight – and a Late-Day Archer Blitz
Sussex welcomed over 90 guests from a range of club partners this morning for a special “Ashes Breakfast Watch-along”, hosted in Sixes Social Cricket at The 1st Central County Ground and chaired by Director of Cricket and Men’s Head Coach, Paul Farbrace.
The event brought together a stellar panel of Ashes experience and Sussex pedigree, with Ollie Robinson, Matt Prior, Trevor Bayliss, Jason Gillespie and former Australian Test wicketkeeper Wayne Phillips offering exclusive insight and stories from one of sport’s most iconic rivalries.
Farbrace guided a lively Q&A that covered memories from past series, behind-the-scenes tales from England’s 2015 triumph, the pressures of elite international cricket, and reflections on the current battle between Australia and England.
Guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to hear contrasting perspectives from both sides of the Ashes divide, with plenty of humour, honesty and friendly rivalry on show.
Speaking on the event, Neville Side from Restructuring Advisory, said: "I wanted to say thanks for an absolutely fantastic event! To have the guest speakers that we did was incredible and I thought that Farbs did a great job of managing the conversation."
Where else would you get to listen to that group of cricketing legends for over an hour?
The audience then settled in to watch day one of the second Test, soaking up the action over breakfast with fellow supporters, partners and members of the Sussex Cricket community.
They were rewarded with an entertaining finale as Jofra Archer – Sussex’s own – produced a thrilling unbeaten 32, his highest Test score, to close out the day in typically explosive fashion.
His counter-attacking cameo served as a fitting highlight to close out the event.
Sussex Cricket would like to extend thanks to all our corporate partners and guests who attended, and to our speakers for giving their time and expertise.
Winter Watch | Week 5
Runs, wickets, catches, five-fers and half-centuries: that's the recipe for Week 5 of our Winter Watch series. News from Australia, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi and Dubai - it's time for your comprehensive round-up of Sharks abroad.
Tom Alsop
Landing back in Brisbane ahead of another Big Bash League (BBL) stint with Brisbane Heat, Alsop's team will commence the competition later this month, on 15 December at Melbourne Renegades. The 30-year-old will be looking to build on last year's stint having featured in four matches for Johan Botha's side - scoring 100 runs in the process.
Jofra Archer
With his 120th delivery of the day blocked away confidently by Michael Neser, one of a few Australian's to be dropped in the field on a testing day for England, the hosts moved into a 44-run lead at the Close on the second day of the second Test.
A day of toil and graft for England's bowlers in the Brisbane Heat, with Archer stepping off the turf with figures of 20-2-74-1. The evening prior, Archer was explosive with the bat alongside Joe Root - putting on a record 10th wicket partnership for England in Australia. He struck a quickfire 38 - featuring two sixes - in a 70-run partnership.
Anna Buckle
Having exhausted pretty much every superlative in the dictionary regarding Buckle's spell in Australia, the past weekend shone the light on another prominent performance on our bowler and her side in a nine-wicket win over Penrith.
Buckle claimed her obligatory wicket, earning figures of 4-0-12-1. Standard.
Oli Carter
Following a string of solid showings with the bat at his club of Sturt in the suburb of Adelaide, his side suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Tea Tree Gully - losing by 62 runs.
James Coles
Another accolade in a year that continues to get better for Coles, the all-rounder can add Abu Dhabi T10 champion to his CV after his UAE Bulls side romped to victory over Tymal Mills' Aspin Stallions in the final.
Coles featured twice in the competition: once in the group stage, and once in their eliminator with Ajman Titans. Next, he'll be heading down to South Africa for the SA20, where he'll join up with his Sunrisers Eastern Cape teammates. The opening match will be on 27 December.
Tom Haines
77 runs, two wickets and a sparkling catch: that would be the script for Haines in his second match with England Lions on this current Tour of Australia in what proved to be a profitable two days for the Sussex opener.
And then, overnight, the Lions captain opened once more against Australia A, top scoring in what proved to be a fairly low score for the tourists. Haines' 64-ball spell yielded 31 runs, including seven boundaries. At the Close, the hosts muscled their way to 155-2, leading by 11 runs.
Daniel Hughes
It's been a rather good week for Hughes who, having notched his highest score of the winter in a six-wicket win for Eastern Suburbs, also got engaged to his partner.
This was a familiar matchup Down Under, for he was facing teammate Ollie Robinson as Hughes scored a rather swift half-century against Sydney University attack - recording eight fours and one six.
Dan Ibrahim
An excellent New Zealand winter for Ibrahim hit slightly tempestuous storms with defeat at Napier Tech. Scoring 13 and 18 respectively in both innings, it was a similar story for his fellow batters as they mustered a total of 304 runs across the match.
Nathan McAndrew
Back in South Australia's Sheffield Shield side for their fixture with Tasmania, and back amongst the wickets. At Stumps on Day 1, South Australia skittled the hosts out for 195, and are currently 116/3 heading into the second day. McAndrew took two wickets, and ended the day with commendable figures of 15-4-31-2.
Tymal Mills
Excruciatingly close to Abu Dhabi T10 glory with Aspin Stallions, Mills' side would taste defeat in the final to James Coles' UAE Bulls. The fast bowler, much like the majority of the tournament, bowled superbly, going for a mere 12 runs from his two overs bowled.
As economy rates go Mills came away with one of the best, playing a pivotal role in his side's success. He's made the short journey over to Dubai to play in the ILT20 with Dubai Capitals. His first game is on Saturday, as they face a Gulf Giants side housing Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson and James Vince.
Ollie Robinson
The aforementioned Robinson vs Hughes now focuses on the former, with Robinson back playing for Sydney University. He took a wicket, too, from his 10-over spell, but it was with the bat in hand where things were a little more explosive.
44 from just 33 deliveries, featuring three sixes and two fours, is another in the vintage Robinson cameos folder. Despite scoring roughly a fifth of his side's total runs, it proved to not be enough as Hughes' Eastern Suburbs thundered to a six-wicket win in the Belvedere Cup (50 overs).
Jayden Seales
It's Test time for Seales, who has been a perennial thorn in New Zealand's batting line-up in the build-up, taking a smattering of wickets in the previous T20s and ODIs.
New Zealand are closing in on wrapping-up the opening Test, but Seales was not without his wickets as he claimed two in the first innings, and one in the second innings with his side requiring 319 runs to win with 6 wickets remaining.
Talitha Stanley
Yet another weekend with a wicket for Stanley, though it would culminate in a rare defeat for her Perth side as Midland-Guildford escaped with a narrow, final over victory.
Removing opener Ruby York for a duck with the second ball of the match, Stanley continued to keep ameliorate the run rate, but her opponent's managed to just creep over the line in a thrilling affair.
George Thomas
Finishing on a high, with a solid second innings total of 41 for Thomas, a remarkable six-wicket haul and a win over Taradale to complete this week's Winter Watch.
Improving on his score of 14 in the opening innings, Thomas also bowled well: leaving with figures of 6-2-13-0. But, just like his batting performance, his outing with the ball was greatly improved second time around. Here, he'd take six wickets, finishing with utterly regal figures of 12-2-40-6. A good time in New Zealand for Thomas just got better, as he continues to develop at speed ahead of a potentially big season for him at Sussex.
Eastbourne & Brighton MCC Foundation Hubs Return
The hugely popular MCC Foundation (MCCF) Hubs in Eastbourne and Brighton are set to return in January 2026, offering another exciting year of high-quality cricket coaching for talented young players from state schools across Sussex.
Run in partnership with Sussex Cricket and delivered by professional coaches, these hubs have become a cornerstone of player development in the county, providing a clear pathway for youngsters who might otherwise miss out on advanced coaching opportunities.
What are the MCC Foundation Hubs?
The MCC Foundation is the charitable arm of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord’s Cricket Ground. Its hub programme operates across the UK with a simple but vital mission: to ensure that talented young cricketers from state schools have access to the same level of coaching and opportunity as their independently-educated peers. In Sussex, the two established hubs – based in Eastbourne and Brighton – are among the longest-running and most successful in the country. They focus on identifying and nurturing talent at a crucial stage of development, while also promoting enjoyment, teamwork and life skills through cricket.
Who can take part?
The hubs are open exclusively to state-school educated players in the following age groups:
- Girls: aged 11–17 (as of 31 August 2025)
- Boys: aged 11–15 (as of 31 August 2025)
- Players must not be on the County Pathway
Both hubs run separate girls-only and boys-only sessions, creating a supportive environment where players can develop their skills alongside peers of the same gender and similar ability.
When & where do the sessions take place?
- Eastbourne Hub – Eastbourne College, BN21 4JY
- Brighton Hub – Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Academy, BN1 9PW
Sessions typically run weekly during the indoor winter period (January–March) before moving outdoors in the summer. Each session lasts approximately two hours and includes technical skill work, match scenarios, strength & conditioning guidance, and tactical understanding.
Trials for the 2026 programme
Trials for the new season will take place later in December 2025, with exact dates and venues available below. These trials are open to all eligible state-school players in the specified age groups – no prior hub experience is required. The trials are designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating. Players will be assessed on current ability, potential, attitude and coach-ability. Successful applicants will be invited to join their local hub from January 2026 onwards.
Why should talented youngsters apply?
- Weekly coaching from experienced ECB-qualified coaches
- Regular matches and festivals against other MCCF hubs
- Some equipment and kit provided free of charge
- A proven track record – numerous hub graduates have gone on to represent the Sussex County age-group pathway & beyond
How to register interest or apply
Full details about trial dates, venues and the application process are available below via the PDF document. Players, parents or teachers can find out more information by visiting the official MCC Foundation hub page.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity – the MCCF hubs in Eastbourne and Brighton continue to change lives through cricket, and places for 2026 are filling quickly.
Foundation Announces New Chair of Trustees
Sussex Cricket Foundation Announces Appointment of New Chair of Trustees
Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shelagh Legrave CBE as its new Chair of Trustees, succeeding Ish Jalal, whose term concludes later this month.
Shelagh joined the SCF Board earlier this summer and brings more than three decades of executive leadership and extensive board experience across education, financial services, the charity sector, and the armed forces.
She will formally begin her three-year term as Chair on 24 November 2025 and will also attend Sussex Cricket Limited Board meetings.
Shelagh currently serves as the Further Education (FE) Commissioner, a role to which she was appointed by the Secretary of State in 2021. She is responsible for overseeing the quality and governance of 221 colleges across England, serving 1.6 million students with a combined annual budget of £6.6 billion.
Prior to this, Shelagh spent over a decade as Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, where she led three successful mergers, supported major organisational turnaround, and guided the institution to an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating.
Shelagh has also contributed extensively to the charity and community sectors. She is a senior trustee at Stonepillow, a homelessness charity where she previously served as Chair for 10 years and continues to chair its Finance & General Purposes Committee.
Shelagh has also served as a deputy lieutenant for West Sussex since 2015. Her passion for sport and commitment to widening participation strongly align with the Foundation’s mission.
Speaking on her appointment, Shelagh, said: “Throughout my life, sport has been a passion and one of my earliest memories was watching Test matches with my father.
“I am privileged and excited to be appointed the chair of the Sussex Cricket Foundation. I can see the opportunities for the Foundation to continue to play a very important role, encouraging participation in cricket in every community.”
Sussex Cricket Chair, Jon Filby, added: “I am very much looking forward to working with Shelagh who has had a distinguished and varied career in the Army, Financial Services and Education.
“It is excellent news for all of us that she has agreed to serve Sussex Cricket as the Chair of our Foundation.”
To find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation
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