As a prelude to the forthcoming Friends Life t20 campaign, Sussex Sharks will be taking on a Sussex Cricket League XI at The PROBIZ County Ground, Hove on Thursday 26th May under the floodlights.
A strong Sharks side will be in action for the match, which will begin at 6.00pm under normal Friends Life t20 regulations, although the League XI will be allowed 15 players, 11 to bat and 11 to field at any time.
A similar match was played last year as a t20 warm-up and it is hoped that a good crowd will be in attendance at ‘The PROBIZ’ for the first action of the shortest format this summer.
The Sussex Cricket League have already named their 15-man squad for the match, playing what they believe is their strongest available batting and bowling unit in order to fully test the Sharks, ahead of the opening game in the Friends Life t20 against Essex Eagles on Thursday 2nd June.
The match marks the return of Sussex fast-bowling legend James Kirtley who plays his club cricket for Eastbourne. Kirtley won the t20 with the Sharks in 2009 before retiring at the end of last season, and is now a Director of MKK who are the Official Kit Suppliers to Sussex CCC and match sponsors for this game.
Dave Brooks, Chief Executive of Sussex Cricket, commented “We are proud of the level of co-operation in Sussex between the recreational and professional game and this is a further example of the excellent relationships developed over the last few years.
This match is excellent preparation for the Sharks as they embark on a demanding t20 campaign, and a great opportunity for our leading club cricketers to test their skills out at a higher level.”
Sussex Cricket League squad:
Kashif Ibrahim (Preston Nomads) Capt.
Chris Mole (Cuckfield) Wkt.
Mark Tomsett (Eastbourne)
Rohit Jagota (Pulborough)
Jason Finch (Hastings)
Stuart Faith (Preston Nomads)
Jibran Khan (Three Bridges)
Malcolm Johnson (Bexhill)
Joe Adams (Glynde)
Matthew Junk (Haywards Heath)
James Kirtley (Eastbourne)
Richard Logan (Chichester)
John Morgan (Hastings)
Matthew Wood (Brighton & Hove)
Carl Simon (Preston Nomads)
Manager: Paul Hacker (Eastbourne)
Coach: Jason Finch (Hastings)
Scorer: Kevin Bethell (Horsham)
The Long Room in the fully refurbished pavilion will be open throughout the match until around 10.00pm and admission to the match is FREE for all. Scorecards will also be available from The Long Room.