14 years since their last silverware, Sussex approach the season’s end in prime position to return to Division 1 of the County Championship and are are vying for the T20 Blast trophy.
Led by experienced England capped duo John Simpson and Tymal Mills, the Hove side host Lancashire in the Blast quarter finals interspersed between five crucial red ball contests. Success in one or both formats would represent an amazing achievement and fitting reward for a loyal fan base, lately disillusioned with the club’s direction and vision.
2024 loomed as a pivotal season for Sussex to fulfil the promise and potential within the squad that had experienced radical change since 2020. 6 wins in 4 red ball seasons emphasised a side in complete transition, reeling the financial ramifications of the pandemic.
Numerous quality players have swapped Sussex by the Sea for pastures new. Lancashire profited from this exodus, adding Luke Wells with England’s opener Phil Salt whilst long serving captain Ben Brown hopped across to Hampshire, becoming a mainstay. You could create an XI of recently departed players to make an extremely strong side.
However, a blend of seasoned campaigners and developing talent has catapulted them into end of season contention under the watchful eyes of Paul Farbrace. Farbrace has exuded ambition and confidence in the club since he was appointed in 2023. Indefatigable in his beliefs about the potential of young talent, his firm yet calculated approach could soon be leading Sussex back to Division 1.
Championship Revival under John Simpson
Spearheading Sussex’s red ball transformation has been the new captain and signing John Simpson. Moving away after 15 years at Middlesex, the 35 year old has had a significant impact with his impressive calm demeanour and hunger for runs. The keeper-batter has amassed 728 runs, averaging 66 including one double century and ton against Leicestershire and has been consistently reliable with the gloves.
Although his biggest impact may lay in his ability to shift the momentum of games. In recent seasons Sussex have lacked the nous and experience to triumph in close games but with Simpson, narrow victories against Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Gloucestershire have been inspired by his lower order partnerships propelling his side into positions of strength.
Combining with fellow winter signing Danny Lamb, they have injected a spark into Sussex’s fortunes enabling their younger players to thrive around their expertise.
Adding experienced heads to the continually developing and maturing crop of local talent has created a formidable combination. In particular, Simpson’s calming influence on the field will be pleasing for fans and coaching staff because previous seasons have been marred with poor conduct and disciplinary issues.
As they approach the final stretch of the season and the tensions undoubtedly rise, all Sussex connections will hope Simpson can maintain his side’s composure.
Consistent Selection
A continual push from Farbrace and his coaching staff has been to enhance the quality and depth of the squad. Additions in Simpson and Lamb have filled vital roles that had been lacking consistent performances in previously.
On paper, a full strength Sussex bowling attack is fearsome. Ollie Robinson, Lamb, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and a sprinkling of overseas, whether it be Jayden Seales or Nathan McAndrew (and potentially the odd sighting of Jofra Archer), it is arguably the strongest in the division. Dovetailed by growing spinner Jack Carson, securing 20 wickets this season has become a regular feature, leading them to crucial wins against Yorkshire and Leicestershire.
It has been the settled batting group that has impressed the Sussex faithful after years of disappointing efforts. Two local openers in Tom Haines and local Tom Clark have started impressively, scoring at quick rates setting up the profitable middle order. Experienced county pro Tom Alsop (and his squatting technique) and rising star James Coles have followed suit, piling on over 400 runs each, averaging just shy of 40.
This has all been supported by returning international veteran Cheteshwar Pujara, often anchoring and negotiating tough early season conditions allowing his partners to be more expressive. His haul of 501 runs from just 6 games shows his immense value to a side flowing in confidence and runs. He now has an expectational record, scoring over 2200 runs in 22 red ball games including 10 tons.
Whilst he will be absent for the remainder of the campaign, his runs will be suitably replaced by Dan Hughes, a 35 year old Australian, already impressing in the T20 Blast. This top 6 (including Simpson) has so far flourished with clear roles and the confidence to take on bowling attacks. By racking up big first innings scores (479, 478, 554, 479, 442), they have generated ideal match winning situations for their bowlers to maximise as pitches deteriorate and pressure expands.
Shrewd Overseas Recruitment
Perhaps Sussex’s best achievement of the season happened in the winter. Farbrace was increasingly vocal about utilising the existing county schedule in blocks, ultimately to secure high quality overseas throughout the season. With Pujara and West Indian quick Jayden Seales operating until the start of the Blast, Sussex were able to profit from the certainty of their contract length, enabling their players to build as the season has developed.
Similarly, Aussies McAndrew and Hughes arriving to instantly replace them minimised the upheaval of team balance and enhanced the quality of performances. Hughes remains for the end of the season whilst fellow Indian Jaydev Unadkat will bolster the bowling ranks, having featured in last season’s September promotion push.
This approach has paid dividends. Not only shaping a group of overseas keen to return but it has generated peak performances. For example, McAndrew’s 11 wickets in two red ball games bowled his side to victory against Northamptonshire, having taken 14 in the Blast. Similarly, Seales’ 6 game stint garnered 24 poles.
Whilst the outcome won’t always reap these successful results, adapting to the gluttony of global cricket is paramount. Securing overseas players for full seasons remains vastly challenging - using the imbalance of county scheduling to good effect, Farbrace and co. seem to have nailed their recruitment.
T20 Blast Form
A sharp downturn in white ball form coincided with the loss of several county and international pros since 2020. Under previous coaches, two separate groups were effectively formed with minimal crossover between formats. The likes of Luke Wright, Ravi Bopara and Chris Jordan rarely featured in the Championship. Retaining consistency and squad balance has Sussex back into white ball contention.
Led by the experience and quality of Tymal Mills, the side have qualified through the tricky South Group to the quarter final stage. Mills’ 24 group stage wickets place him behind only Danny Briggs and David Payne. Success for Mills’ side has been in both facets of the game. Hughes leads the overall run scoring charts with 560, backing up years of impressive BBL performances in his first foray in County cricket. Particularly strong square and straight down the ground, partnerships with fellow left handed Harrison Ward have sliced through many chasing totals.
Another exceptional performer is 20 year old James Coles. Rapidly growing into a genuine all rounder, his left arm spin operating at the start of the power-play has generated 17 wickets combining with 300+ runs. This led to a run at the Southern Brave in the Hundred where Alsop also featured for the Trent Rockets following a breakout T20 year. Striking at 165+, Alsop’s game has been reinvented with noticeably more powerful strikes added to his deft touch. Knocks of 65 and 87 against impressive Surrey and Kent bowling attacks are evidence of a player maturing into his peak, dogged by early struggles in his career at Hampshire.
A mouthwatering prospect at Hove against Lancashire should give Sussex hope of making Finals Day. The settled nature of their squad means players are in form and firing despite a disappointing One Day Cup campaign with the side pillaged by the Hundred.
Mills leads a side full of maturing local talent and experienced campaigners. A batting lineup capable of striking runs up to number 9 and several all rounders to supplement the fire of Mills. Add in a potential outing by superstar Jofra Archer, Sussex fans have a lot to like in the coming weeks.
Should success come their way, it will be a tick in the box for many concerned parties - the current setup for their unapologetic push for a winning mentality and previous setups for prioritising youth development above all else. Regardless though, English domestic cricket is destined to reignite into a thrilling season’s conclusion.
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