The return of Matt Prior and Luke Wright from England duty will boost Sussex as they prepare for the final two games of their NatWest Pro40 campaign with eyes firmly set on the Division 1 title.

And Mohammad Sami will have the chance to impress, as he makes his first appearance at The County Ground for the Sharks. The match is due to start at 4.40pm.

A win tomorrow night will take the Sussex Sharks to the top set up a mammoth clash at Trent Bridge on Sunday when they take on Nottinghamshire.

The Sussex squad against Middlesex Crusaders: CJ Adams*, MW Goodwin, RHJ Hamilton-Brown, AJ Hodd+, CD Hopkinson, RJ Kirtley, RSC Martin-Jenkins, CD Nash, MJ Prior+, Mohammad Sami, DR Smith, LJ Wright and MH Yardy.

Sussex v Middlesex in One-Day Cricket

· Sussex lead the series between the sides by 31 wins to 28, with two No Results and a tie.

· In matches in Sussex, the home side lead the series by 19-11 with one No Result.

· This will be the 27th meeting between the sides in a one-day game at Hove. Sussex have won 16 of the previous 26, with one No Result.

· Sussex have won the last eight one-day matches between the sides, a run that dates back to 2003.

Interesting Facts about this fixture:

· Sussex have won 15 of the last 18 matches between the sides – dating back to 1998, with their three blips being consecutively at Lord's in 2002 (NR), followed by back-to-back defeats at Arundel (2002) and Lord's (2003).

· Sussex's are currently enjoying their best win-streak in the history of this fixture (8 wins). Victory in this match would result in this equalling Sussex's being sequence of wins against any opponent in one-day cricket (9 vs Glamorgan 1979-84). Middlesex's best sequence is six wins (from 1987-90).


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SUSSEX CCC'S chief executive Gus Mackay has gone to Surrey to become their managing director.

Surrey is the first County Cricket Club to create a position which heads up all aspects of cricket in its county from grass roots through to its professional pinnacle.

Mackay commented: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this new and exciting role with Surrey and it's an opportunity I could not refuse. Equally it's been a very tough decision to leave the club, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Sussex, where I have been involved in two County Championship wins and the C&G Trophy victory in 2006.

"It has been a privilege to have been involved with the club for part of what has been a wonderful period of success.

"Sussex is very unique in the approach to the game, both on and off the field, and I wish the club every success in the future. The club's commitment to young cricketers and a one-game approach bodes well for the future.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board, staff, players, sponsors, members and other stakeholders who have given me wonderful support over the past 2 years."

Sussex chairman Jim May commented: "I would like to place on record my thanks for the contribution that Gus has made at Sussex. He goes with our best wishes."

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SUSSEX have signed Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Sami until the end of the season. Sami has played 33 test matches for Pakistan and 83 one-day internationals.

Professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "Mushtaq (Ahmed] helped massively with the signing of Mohammad – spending ten days, almost non-stop, on the phone making sure that everything went smoothly."

Gus Mackay, the Sussex chief executive, commented: "Mohammad's arrival comes just in time for an intense finish to the domestic season. It will be an exciting month and his experience and ability should prove vital in our search for more silverware."

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CLARE CONNOR OBE, head of England women's cricket at the ECB, has been co-opted to the Sussex CCC board as a non-executive director.

Now with 16 Test appearances and 93 one-day internationals for her country, she was appointed England captain in 2000 and helped to mould England into a force to be reckoned with, which culminated in their 1-0 Ashes series win in 2005.

Connor was awarded her MBE in June 2004 and her OBE on February 9, 2006.

Gus Mackay, Sussex chief executive, said: "We are delighted that Clare has agreed to join the board and brings a wealth of experience with her. More importantly, she has played for Sussex and captained England to the Ashes victory in 2005, and her knowledge of cricket will be a major asset to Sussex County Cricket Club."

Clare Connor commented: "It's an honour to be asked to join the board and I feel it will dovetail nicely with my role as head of England women's cricket. It's an exciting time to be involved in cricket at this level of governance and, as a born-and-bred Sussex girl, I'm obviously passionate about seeing the county be the best it can be."

Jim May, Sussex CCC chairman, said: "It's a delight to welcome Clare onto the board. Clare has been massively influential in developing women's cricket in Sussex and England, and indeed cricket in general. We are very proud of the success of Sussex women's cricket. I believe that this appointment highlights the inclusive approach that the county has towards cricket. Clare will provide a female perspective and strengthen the Board."

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MUSHTAQ AHMED has decided to retire from the playing staff at Sussex County Cricket Club having experienced continued discomfort in his knee.

He has spent the last six years with Sussex and has played a major part in the unprecedented success that the County has enjoyed in that time. Taking 598 wickets in all competitions and bowling over 26,000 overs, Mushtaq has bowled his way in to the record books and has become an integral part of the Sussex community.

He will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch.

In his time at the county, Sussex have won three County Championships, as well as two one day trophies, namely the CandG Trophy in the double winning season of 2006 and the Totesport Division Two title in 2005.

Having been the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship for the past five years (2003-2007), Mushtaq has made his mark on English Cricket and his cheerful character has ensured that he is a fantastic ambassador for the game.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Mushtaq said: "I would firstly like to thank Allah for providing me with this great family. This is a very hard decision for me to make, as I feel that I could possible play one more year, but out of respect, I would only do that if I felt one-hundred per cent and I wouldn't want to risk that for the family.

"I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my teammates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with.

"If I have hurt anyone in my time, I never meant it and would like to apologise, as there is no shame in apologising to my family.

"My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex and I will always pray to Allah for continued success at Sussex."

Mark Robinson, the Sussex professional cricket manager, said: "I don't think that it will ever be possible to overplay the enormous influence Mushtaq has had on Sussex in recent years. His record as a player and the trophies that he has helped us win will speak for itself, but I would like to pay tribute to him as a person from myself and all the people whose lives he has touched for the enormous influence he has had on us.

"I hope that you will all join us this week, for the LV County Championship match against Nottinghamshire starting Wednesday, in paying tribute and saying goodbye to a truly great legend of Sussex and of the game."

Chris Adams, Sussex CCC captain, said: "Mushtaq's legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt.

"In view of the impact he's made, it's difficult to think of another cricketer who has achieved or done more for one county. His legacy extends beyond the playing arena, as I'm sure all that have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man."

Club chief executive, Gus Mackay, commented: "It is with great regret to learn that Mushtaq has announced his enforced retirement from the playing staff here at Sussex. Mushy has been an inspiration to all around him in his six years at the club.

"His experience and talent have been vital to the extraordinary success that the club has enjoyed in that time and his bubbly character will be missed by everyone involved with the club."





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SUSSEX receive second-placed Nottinghamshire at Hove in the LV County Championship today (August 27).

The two teams sit four places apart in a very tight Division 1, but only 12 points separate them. Both sides will be looking to keep their championship aspirations alive in what should prove to be four very competitive days of cricket.

The match is scheduled to start at 11am.

Sussex have just beaten bottom team Lancashire in the Pro40 League. Their squad for the championship game is: CJ Adams*, WAT Beer, MW Goodwin, RJ Hamilton-Brown, AJ Hodd+, CD Hopkinson, RJ Kirtley, JD Lewry, RSC Martin-Jenkins, CD Nash, OP Rayner and MH Yardy.

Sussex v Nottinghamshire

Since the County Championship began in 1890
· Overall, Nottinghamshire leads by 53-40, with 76 draws.

· In matches in Sussex, the visitors lead the series 25-24, with 36 matches drawn – a win in this match for the home side would level the series for games in Sussex.

· This will be the 57th meeting between the sides at Hove, Sussex have won 17 to Nottinghamshire's 14, with 25 draws.

Interesting Facts about this fixture:

Since the County Championship officially began in 1890

· Sussex's best run is the history of this fixture is eight wins, which was achieved between 1960-64. Nottinghamshire's best run is seven wins, achieved in 1890-3. Sussex have currently won the last 3 meetings between the sides.

· The longest unbeaten streak in this fixture is 22 games by Nottinghamshire (1978-1997), comprising seven wins and 15 draws. Sussex's best run is 17 games, made between 1955-65, incorporated 12 wins and five draws.

· Sussex have only lost twice to Nottinghamshire in the Championship in their last 20 meetings, dating back to 1990.

· Sussex are unbeaten against Nottinghamshire in the last 7 meetings of the sides at Hove, a streak that stretches back to 1983.

· Sussex have batted first in each of the last 9 matches, and lost only once.

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CLUB treasurer Jim May has replaced David Green as chairman of Sussex CCC.

Green stands down after six years rated extremely successful by the club. He said: "It has been an honour and mostly a pleasure to chair Sussex through the most successful years in its long history.

"In recent months, I have had to take a health-induced sabbatical due to having three major operations in a 10-week period. I am now recovering, but will not be fully fit to resume my duties for some months to come.

"I have therefore decided it was in the club's best interest that I stood down as chairman from last saturday (August 2). I will stay on as a main board director both of Sussex and the ECB for as long as I am required.

"I wish my successor Jim May well in taking the club forward into the exciting future competitions being planned."

May paid tribute to his predecessor: "Under David'' leadership, Sussex achieved unprecedented success – winning three County Championships in five years. This will stand in the history books.

"David worked tirelessly behind the scenes. In particular, his drive to create the youth ground at Blackstone near Henfield, the new Indoor School at Hove, and to ensure we maximise the Spen Cama inheritance, are evidence of his contribution to Sussex cricket.

"I am honoured to be elected by the Board.
There is no doubt that county cricket faces an exciting, but challenging future. Uncertainty at international level, coupled with domestic restructuring in 2010, means that, at Sussex, we will have to be smart to remain a top county.

"Off the field, the challenge of redeveloping the County Ground at Hove and improving the trading performance are two topics high on the agenda."

May has significant connections in Sussex. He is deputy chairman of Shoreham Port Authority and a non-executive director of Brighton & Hove PCT. He was a banker for 35 years, latterly the south managing director of Royal Bank of Scotland, where he was responsible for the RBS and NatWest commercial business.

Sussex CCC chief executive, Gus Mackay, said; "It is with regret to learn that David will be stepping down. He has been a great asset to the club and comes off the back of a successful six years as chairman. I would personally like to thank David for all the hard work he has put into the club during his time as chairman and I am delighted that he is to remain on the board."

"This appointment comes at an exciting time for the club.
Jim brings with him a wealth of experience and business knowledge, which can only be a benefit to the club. I am looking forward to working closely with Jim on some of the exciting projects ahead of us at Sussex."

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OFF-SPINNER Ollie Rayner is the Emirates- sponsored Player Of The Month award for July, as voted by the Sussex CCC fans.

Ollie Rayner wins Emirates sponsored Player of the Month for July
The 22-year-old Ollie burst on to the first class scene in 2006, scoring a magnificent 101 against the touring Sri Lankans, but earned his playing contract predominantly for his ability with the ball.

Owing to Mushtaq Ahmed's knee injury, Ollie has experienced an extended run in the first team and has pounced upon the chance, bowling with aggression and control.

In a month that has brought little cricket for Sussex, Rayner emerged in contention for the award the award with stand-out performances in both innings of the successful LV County Championship meeting with Hampshire at Arundel. His match figures were for 80, including a career-best five for 49 in the second innings.

Rayner was presented with the award at Horsham yesterday (Sunday), where their Pro40 match against Worcester Royals was abandoned owing to rain.

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MUSHTAQ AHMED is out of cricket again - and this time for at least a month.

He needed fresh surgery to determine the extent of injury to his right knee. Mushtaq suffered a new cartilage tear but has been told he will not know the full extent of the injury until the operation has been carried out.

Sussex had been told that there are two most likely scenarios. The worst case is that the tear is extensive and precariously placed: this would mean that Mushtaq would be out for the summer.

The second scenario is that the tear is a new but minor one, meaning that Mushtaq would be back in time for the LV County Championship game against Lancashire at Old Trafford on August 6.

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Dwayne Smith has signed a 2½-year contract to stay at the club. Smith, aged 25, signs as a Kolpak player and is seeking to qualify for England.

Professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "We are delighted to have Dwayne on board as he has fitted into the dressing room really well over the last couple of weeks.

"Dwayne is the type of cricketer you would pay to come and see as he hits a long ball and bowls well. He is also one of the best fielders in the world. I'm sure the Sussex public will have a lot of pleasure watching his exploits in the next couple of years."

Smith will primarily play one-day cricket this year but will play a bigger role next summer in both four-day cricket and the shorter versions of the game.

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SUSSEX have signed West Indian all rounder Dwayne Smith for the duration of the Twenty20 competition, which starts this week.

The 25-year-old has played in 10 tests and 71 one-day internationals and has just completed a successful stint in the Indian Premier League.

Professional cricket manager of the county, Mark Robinson, said: "Obviously, we are excited to have Dwain join us. We've had to move quickly on this following injury to Mushy and at a day's notice I feel very lucky to have gained such a high quality player.

"Dwain impressed in the World Cup last year playing for the West Indies and is also a team mate of Corey Collymore in Barbados so we've been able to gain a good inside knowledge of him. The fact that he bats, bowls and fields means he will, in theory, be a like-for-like replacement for Luke when he joins England."

The original Twenty20 Cup resumes for an historic sixth year with the two Finalists securing places in the inaugural Twenty20 Cup Champions League in autumn and a chance to win the $5 million prize money.

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Lancashire CCC is getting behind malignant melanoma research fundraisers, Factor50 to highlight the importance of skin protection.

Red Rose players have backed the website which gives advice on the best ways to cover up and stay safe in the sun during long matches. The website also raises vital funds for Christies Hospital.

Stuart Law, Lancashire County Cricket Club captain, explained: "We're proud to support the work that the Factor50 Fundraising Group is doing on behalf of the Christie Hospital.

"Being professional cricketers we're out in the sun for long periods of time during our season and we're very conscious that over exposure to the sun combined with poor skin protection can have a devastating affect on the skin. We wish Factor50 and the Christie Hospital every success with the campaign."

Gillian Nuttall, founder of the website Factor50 commented: "It's fantastic to having the backing of a local cricket club. Cricketers and others who play predominantly summer sports need to make sure they protect themselves from the sun and should wear a hat and apply sun block regularly. It's also important to look out regularly for changes on the skin, especially moles."

The Factor50 Fundraising Group was founded in 2007 after a close friend of the founder passed away after developing malignant melanoma. The group work closely with Christie Hospital and aim to raise funds for new treatment currently used in the USA. Factor50 hopes this new treatment can be developed and evaluated in the UK for the benefits of all patients with melanoma.

Factor50 holds various fundraising events that can be viewed at www.factor50.org.uk

There are more than 70,000 new cases of skin cancer a year in the UK. More than 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are diagnosed every year in the UK and over 2,000 will die from the disease.

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LUKE WRIGHT has turned down an offer to play in the Indian Premier League - to concentrate on developing his international career.

Wright said: "Obviously I was very pleased to be considered for the IPL. However, at the moment my main focus and priority is playing for my country.

"If the timings were different and it wasn't going to affect my chances of playing for England then it would be something I would seriously have to consider.

"I am now very much looking forward to the match against New Zealand which is obviously a great chance for me to prove myself in the longer version of the game and hopefully push for a Test place."

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NEW West Indian signing Corey Collymore has been cleared by the ECB to fulfil his one year contract with Sussex.

Professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson: "I am delighted we have Corey for the summer. We will make a decision at lunchtime about whether he has recovered sufficiently from the flight in order to play against Surrey today, or whether it is better that he begins preparations for Sunday where he will be fresher."

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SUSSEX have replaced lost Aussie fast bowler Ryan Harris with a West Indian. He is Corey Collymore, he comes on a one-year contract and signs under the terms of a Kolpak registered player, which is subject to clearance from the ECB this week.

Collymore said: "The call from Sussex the other day was a very welcome one. I've been itching to come over and play county cricket and to be picked by the Champions has filled me with confidence. I'm ready to give it my all and can't wait to get started."

Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson, commented: "Obviously, with the departure of Ryan Harris, we have been keen to bring in a new bowler. With his international experience and excellent work ethic, Corey fits the bill perfectly."

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The ECB have confirmed the Australian tour dates for 2009 and Sussex will host Australia in a four-day game next year from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday 27.

Gus Mackay, Sussex chief executive, reacted: "We are excited: 2009 will be a massive year for cricket with the Ashes and the Twenty20 World Cup. And as one of the most successful County sides in recent times, we relish the prospect of taking on one of the best teams in the world. This will be a great commercial opportunity for the club and this fixture will be one of our many highlights in 2009."

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SUSSEX'S star spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has undergone keyhole knee surgery. He was admitted to hospital last Wednesday (April 30).

Mark Robinson, professional cricket manager, said: "We made the decision very quickly on the Wednesday morning. We were originally hoping that we would just play him in four-day cricket up to the Twenty20 window, where he'd then have the operation.

However, on reflection, we felt it wouldn't be right to compromise our strike bowler by having him playing in discomfort, so, with the amount of unsettled weather around and the fact our club surgeon said he could get him in that day, we felt it was the wisest decision to make.

It is a routine operation that many sportsmen have and we are hopeful that Mushy will be back between two and three weeks."

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THREE matches on the 2nd XI calendar will now take place at the County Ground, Hove.

This has been made possible due to the County Ground redevelopment being put on hold.

The matches which will now be played at Hove, are:
SET Sussex vs Surrey 2nd on 11 July, previously at Stirlands CC.
SEC Sussex vs Surrey 2nd from 6-8 August, previously at Stirlands CC.
SEC Sussex vs Somerset 2nd from 17-19 September, previously at Horsham CC.

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that these fixtures will now be played at Hove. Our 2nd XI cricket is extremely important to us and we are pleased to be able to bring these fixtures to the County Ground for the fans, and more importantly, the players."

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Please visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk for the full 2008 fixture list.

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Members of the LV County Championship winning team, sponsors, staff, Members, media and supporters packed into Hove Town Hall for the annual End of Season Player Awards Dinner.

The glittering event was hosted by Ralph Dellor and coach Mark Robinson, and supported by extensive and exclusive footage and interviews from Sussex TV. Speeches from Captain Chris Adams and club president Ted Dexter capped off the night, which honoured outstanding performances at Sussex throughout the 2007 season.

The gourmet menu was presented by the Sussex CCC in-house catering team, and an auction and raffle raised over £7,000 for the Sussex Young Cricketers Educational Trust. The event was sponsored by RDF, with media partner The Argus and other award sponsors all adding to the celebrations on the night.

The Academy Player of the Year Sponsored by Arabian Cricket
Winner: Ben Brown.

2nd XI Player of the Year- The Geoffrey Everitt Memorial Shield Sponsored by MKK Sports
Winner: The whole team on winning the Second XI LV County Championship.

Individual Woman Cricketer of the Year Sponsored by Park's Cameras
Winner: Alexia Walker.

1st XI Fielding Award-The Paul Parker Trophy Sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner: Chris Adams

The Agony and The Ecstasy Award Sponsored by Cheetahs Gym
Winner: All awaiting Lancs result last Saturday!

Most Improved Player-The Umer Rashid Memorial Trophy Sponsored by Baker Tilly
Winner: Luke Wright.

Woman Team Player of The Year Sponsored by Wholesome Food Service
Winner: Charlotte Burton.

The Argus Fans Award As voted for by readers of The Argus
Winner: Mushtaq Ahmed.

The Chairman's Award For Achievement Sponsored by Miller Bourne
Winner: Richard Montgomerie.

The Sussex TV Champagne Moment of The Year Sponsored by Newbery Bats
Winner: Matt Prior.

Team Man of The Year-The Frank Stonehouse Trophy Sponsored by Accelerated Mailing
Winner: Chris Pickett.

Most Outstanding Performance of The Year Sponsored by Clydesdale Bank
Winner: Murray Goodwin.

The 1st XI Team Player of The Year- The Dr David Rice Memorial Trophy Sponsored by RDF
Winner: Mushtaq Ahmed.

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YOU can now get married at the double winners home County Ground at Hove. Sussex CCC have been granted a licence to hold civil weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

The historic and atmospheric surroundings can accommodate ceremonies and receptions for up to 70 guests. The oldest county gound in England boasts light, airy and grand rooms overlooking the cricket pitch through floor to ceiling windows.

The venue can be decorated by the experienced events staff who can also help in the overall planning of the day. Talented chefs and the dedicated in house catering team will work with clients to create a bespoke wedding breakfast menu. Newly weds may also supply their own wine and Champagne (a corkage fee applies.)

The venue is truly unique and offers a convenient central location with plenty of parking as well as good public transport links. The County Ground is also in very close proximity to the seafront, a huge range of hotels as well as all the entertainment and leisure facilities the vibrant city has to offer.

To take a video tour of the rooms go to www.sussexcricket.co.uk

To make an appointment to view the venue please call Helen Hulme on 01273 827 143 or email caters@sussexcricket.co.uk

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SUSSEX granting long-serving player Robin Martin-Jenkins a Benefit Year this season.

Robin said: "I am delighted to have been offered a Benefit Year. I feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Adams, Mark Robinson and other great players who have been granted the privilege.

"I played my first Sussex game for the U10s and it is great testament to the dedication of the club that its home-grown talent is able rise through the ranks as I have.

"Having played professionally for Sussex since leaving school and I can't imagine representing any another county. Over the last thirteen years, it has been hard graft at times but the team's success in the last few seasons has made all the hard work very rewarding and worthwhile.

"I look forward to being a part of the Sussex family in the years to come and hope I can help bring home more silverware to The County Ground."

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive of Sussex CCC said: "I don't think there is any doubt that Robin deserves a Benefit Year next season. He is as well respected and liked on the field as he is off the field and I am very confident that the Sussex cricket fraternity will support him wholeheartedly. "

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Sussex CCC has launched an online area where offers and discounts will be made exclusively available to the 4000 Club Members.

The Special Offers area will be available on www.sussexcricket.co.uk and launches with an inaugural flight discount offer from Sussex CCC sponsor, Emirates.

Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and since its inception in 1985, has won more than 300 international awards for excellence. Emirates serves over 90 destinations worldwide via Dubai. With such an extensive network, it's easy to combine Dubai with a host of other exotic destinations around the world for an unforgettable travel experience.

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive of Sussex CCC, said: "The Club is very happy to be launching this initiative which adds value to our relationship with Emirates, enabling them to interact with our Members directly. We are looking forward to expanding the online offers area to include other brands, goods and services from both a local and national brands. I am pleased the value of our loyal Membership is being recognised and that we are able to pass on this recognition to our members through exclusive deals and discounts. This is a 'win win' innovation for all."

Vic Sheppard, Vice President UK & Ireland Emirates, said; "As a sponsor of the highly successful Sussex County Cricket Club we are delighted to offer discounted airfares to the Club's Members. The synergy of the two prestigious brands working in this way seems a natural one and it will be very interesting to chart the response to the offer."

New offers will appear regularly on www. sussexcricket.co.uk. Please note Members must first register as an online user, creating an internet user name and password, to access these offers. This online registration takes only a couple of minutes.

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A NEW structure strategy for Sussex cricket with an acknowledgment to the Australian model is on its way to Sussex.

Sussex Cricket Board (SCB) and Sussex County Cricket Club (SCCC) are proposing to form closer links between club cricket and the first class game within the county, by setting up a new overall Board of Control.

Currently Sussex Cricket Board has responsibility for recreational (amateur) cricket throughout Sussex, with Sussex County Cricket Club running the professional side.

The proposed Board of Control (BoC) is thought to be the first of its kind in the country and could lead the way towards the Australian style of cricket management, which is fully integrated under a single Cricket Association in each state.

A key objective of the BoC is the creation of an all-embracing Strategy for Sussex Cricket, under the banner of "Cricket Sussex".

The BoC will undertake a series of detailed reviews of existing services and resources, with a view to ensuring improved efficiency, through shared activity and improved liaison. It will also carry out a full review of the funding of cricket in Sussex, including fund matching, bulk purchasing of equipment for clubs and insurance pooling.

The recommendation is made in a Consultation Document which will be issued to all cricket organisations in the county who will be invited to offer their feed back.

The document has been produced by the Building Partnerships in Sussex Cricket Group, which was set up at the end of 2006 by the SCB and the SCCC.

The Group's Chairman, David Bowden, states: "Our initiative in Sussex emanates from the England and Wales Cricket Board's Cricket's Strategic Plan for 2005 to 2009 - from Playground to Test Arena, which was issued by the ECB in 2005".

"The aim of the initiative has been to recommend a series of measures, which will lead to a greater degree of cohesion, coordination and integration amongst the various and numerous stakeholders in County, which will lead to fullest possible support to them all," he said.

Amongst the other recommendations is a proposal that a full review should be undertaken of the future pattern for league cricket in the County, with a cascading style of automatic promotion and relegation.

For further information, please contact David Bowden (Chairman of the Building Partnerships Group) at dbrb@lineone.net or on 01273 555561.

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