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Sussex tour fits the bill
Judged purely in terms of results, Sussex's pre-season tour of Dubai was not successful.
But as he returned from the desert today, coach Mark Robinson was adamant that it has been perfect in terms of their preparation for the serious challenges which lie ahead.
With no Murray Goodwin, Mushtaq Ahmed or Ryan Harris it was always going to be tough for Sussex to compete with their full-strength rivals in the Pro ARCH Trophy.
But Robinson and skipper Chris Adams have been able to look at the progress of the county's youngsters and like what they saw.
The core of the side which will try to become the first to win a hat-trick of Championships for 40 years is pretty settled. Barring injuries, Adams, Goodwin, Mike Yardy, Matt Prior, Ryan Harris, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Luke Wright and Mushtaq should all be in the side which kicks off the new season against Hampshire in three weeks.
But that still leaves three places up for grabs.
Four fast bowlers are vying to be Harris's new ball partner: Jason Lewry, James Kirtley, Chris Liddle and the unproven Rageb Aga.
Of more concern are filling those crucial positions at the top of the order.
Chris Nash opened throughout last season and although a breakthrough maiden hundred eluded him he grew into the role.
Assuming Nash gets the nod, it looks like the battle to open with him is between three players: Carl Hopkinson, Andrew Hodd and Michael Thornely.
Hopkinson was Richard Montgomerie's regular partner during the 2006 title win but he lost his place when Michael Yardy regained fitness midway through last season and is desperate to get it back.
He believes his maiden hundred for the first team against Nottinghamshire in the Pro40 League last September could be a turning point in his career.
He said: "Last year didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I think I put myself under too much pressure which had a negative effect. But getting that hundred showed me how I need to approach my cricket by being more relaxed. That might be the key for me this season."
Hodd has little experience of opening and although two first-class hundreds last season suggested he has the temperament to succeed, Sussex might opt for their most experienced pair at least for the opening weeks of the season which would be Nash and Hopkinson.
Thornely, of course, has other ideas.
The 21-year-old has impressed Robinson in Dubai after spending a productive close season in Perth where he helped his club side reach their grade finals.
"It was good to play cricket all year round," said Thornely. "I worked hard on my game and trained a lot and really enjoyed it, the standard was pretty good."
Of all the emerging players in the squad, it could be argued that Thornely deserves first crack at a first-team batting spot.
He scored 726 second-team runs last season at an average of 48 and a further 173 at 34.60 in the one-day trophy. His returns from two games against touring sides in 2006 were modest and the step up to facing world-class bowlers in the Championship is a big one to make but his time may have come.
"I feel I had a good first year," added Thornely.
"I really enjoyed it and did quite well, scoring a few hundreds in the second team. But I'm looking to step up from there and hopefully get a few chances in the first team.
"There are a few more players around this season so there is going to be a lot more competition for places but I'm really up for it and determined to take my opportunity when it comes around."
Despite the results, Sussex have got a lot out of their second visit to Dubai.
The practice facilities were excellent, the weather perfect and the opposition a step up from the club standard local sides they played in 2006.
The temperature will certainly be a few degrees colder on Monday when Sussex play their first friendly at Hove.
With Harris, Mushtaq and Goodwin not due to arrive until the week after next, the matches against Glamorgan and Gloucestershire will provide further opportunities for some of those on the peripheral of first-team places to stake their claim.
It is unlikely Sussex will field the side which opens the Championship defence when they face an MCC side including Andrew Flintoff over four days at Lord's a fortnight tomorrow.
Mushtaq's participation in the Indian Cricket League could delay his arrival while Goodwin prefers to tune-up for the campaign in the nets rather than the middle.
But for several players selection for that game will be the clearest indication that they are in Robinson's plans for the start of Sussex's hat-trick bid.
11:24pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: jonboy, oxford on 9:43am Thu 27 Mar 08
Obviously a very usefull workout for the boys and results are not that important. We had a lot of youngsters out there, although so did Essex and Yorkshire and they aquited themselves well, especially the slower bowlers. However I still have huge reservations about our top order and their ability to give us a solid start in championship cricket. The balance of the squad looks wrong to me with 7 spinners and 3 wicketkeepers in a squad of 21 and NO recognised opening batsmen.
Obviously a very usefull workout for the boys and results are not that important. We had a lot of youngsters out there, although so did Essex and Yorkshire and they aquited themselves well, especially the slower bowlers. However I still have huge reservations about our top order and their ability to give us a solid start in championship cricket. The balance of the squad looks wrong to me with 7 spinners and 3 wicketkeepers in a squad of 21 and NO recognised opening batsmen.
Posted by: Martyn on 1:31pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Of the seven spinners only Mushtaq, Rayner, Smith and Beer are genuine frontlien spinners. Yardy, Nash and Hamilton-Brown are batsmen who bowl a bit.
When Brown was offered a contract Prior was in the England team. Even though he has been dropped Prior and Hodd can't both keep wicket and be in 1XI. Brown will keep for 2XI. I still think we may end up losing either Prior or Hodd.
Hopkinson and Nash would certainly see themselves as opening batsman (or at least that is where they would like to bat).
As well as Thornely has done in Dubai I think it is between Hodd and Hopkinson for the second openers slot. I would like to see Thornely and Hamilton-Brown opening for 2XI.
I expect Lewry to start as Harris's new ball partner. I also expect Nash to start.
Of the seven spinners only Mushtaq, Rayner, Smith and Beer are genuine frontlien spinners. Yardy, Nash and Hamilton-Brown are batsmen who bowl a bit.
When Brown was offered a contract Prior was in the England team. Even though he has been dropped Prior and Hodd can't both keep wicket and be in 1XI. Brown will keep for 2XI. I still think we may end up losing either Prior or Hodd.
Hopkinson and Nash would certainly see themselves as opening batsman (or at least that is where they would like to bat).
As well as Thornely has done in Dubai I think it is between Hodd and Hopkinson for the second openers slot. I would like to see Thornely and Hamilton-Brown opening for 2XI.
I expect Lewry to start as Harris's new ball partner. I also expect Nash to start.
Posted by: Martyn on 1:32pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Of the seven spinners only Mushtaq, Rayner, Smith and Beer are genuine frontlien spinners. Yardy, Nash and Hamilton-Brown are batsmen who bowl a bit.
When Brown was offered a contract Prior was in the England team. Even though he has been dropped Prior and Hodd can't both keep wicket and be in 1XI. Brown will keep for 2XI. I still think we may end up losing either Prior or Hodd.
Hopkinson and Nash certainly see themselves as opening batsman (or at least that is where they would like to bat).
As well as Thornely has done in Dubai I think it is between Hodd and Hopkinson for the second openers slot. I would like to see Thornely and Hamilton-Brown opening for 2XI.
I expect Lewry to start as Harris's new ball partner. I also expect Nash to start.
Of the seven spinners only Mushtaq, Rayner, Smith and Beer are genuine frontlien spinners. Yardy, Nash and Hamilton-Brown are batsmen who bowl a bit.
When Brown was offered a contract Prior was in the England team. Even though he has been dropped Prior and Hodd can't both keep wicket and be in 1XI. Brown will keep for 2XI. I still think we may end up losing either Prior or Hodd.
Hopkinson and Nash certainly see themselves as opening batsman (or at least that is where they would like to bat).
As well as Thornely has done in Dubai I think it is between Hodd and Hopkinson for the second openers slot. I would like to see Thornely and Hamilton-Brown opening for 2XI.
I expect Lewry to start as Harris's new ball partner. I also expect Nash to start.
Posted by: jonboy, oxford on 2:50pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Yes but thats plenty of cover in the spin department and I reckon Yards and perhaps Nash could do a decent job as second or third spinner were we able to set larger targets. Martyn do you think there would be any merit in loaning one of the spinners and perhaps a keeper to a 2nd division side?
This would allow them to gain some experience though the danger I suppose is they could then be poached away.
Yes but thats plenty of cover in the spin department and I reckon Yards and perhaps Nash could do a decent job as second or third spinner were we able to set larger targets. Martyn do you think there would be any merit in loaning one of the spinners and perhaps a keeper to a 2nd division side?
This would allow them to gain some experience though the danger I suppose is they could then be poached away.
Posted by: Martyn on 7:23pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I think when Mushy retires we will see an overseas spinner.
As for an opener when Goodwin and Adams retire this is something we may look at if someone has managed to successfully fill the slot already.
I also think that ultimately that unless one of Hodd or Prior becomes a specialist batsman we will end up losing one or other. Brown is five years younger than Hodd and seven younger than Prior so time is on his side.
First and foremost I would like to see Yardy and Nash concentrate on their batting. Whilst it is useful if they can have another string to their bow it is with the bat we will need them to perform.
I think we tried to send Rayner or Smith on loan last season but there were no takers.
They will get chances it is just a matter of them taking them if they get an opportunity.
I think when Mushy retires we will see an overseas spinner.
As for an opener when Goodwin and Adams retire this is something we may look at if someone has managed to successfully fill the slot already.
I also think that ultimately that unless one of Hodd or Prior becomes a specialist batsman we will end up losing one or other. Brown is five years younger than Hodd and seven younger than Prior so time is on his side.
First and foremost I would like to see Yardy and Nash concentrate on their batting. Whilst it is useful if they can have another string to their bow it is with the bat we will need them to perform.
I think we tried to send Rayner or Smith on loan last season but there were no takers.
They will get chances it is just a matter of them taking them if they get an opportunity.
Posted by: jonboy, oxford on 12:27pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Martyn another one for you mate as you have become my link to what is happening further down the Sussex pyramid. What do you know of a young opening bat named Matt Kleinveldt rumoured to be signing for Kent. Did he not play a few second eleven games for us last year. Would he be someone to nurture as a future opener. Lefthander as well I think.
Martyn another one for you mate as you have become my link to what is happening further down the Sussex pyramid. What do you know of a young opening bat named Matt Kleinveldt rumoured to be signing for Kent. Did he not play a few second eleven games for us last year. Would he be someone to nurture as a future opener. Lefthander as well I think.
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