Adams in high spirits

Sussex are chasing a third successive championship

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Sussex’s maiden first-class outing in their defence of the LV County Championship title was curtailed by the weather - but it will not have dampened their mood.

Buoyed by the appearance of Mushtaq Ahmed and Murray Goodwin in the nursery ground nets at Lord’s on Sunday, Chris Adams’ team are gearing for a crack at a third straight title, and a fourth in six years.

Leg-spinner Mushtaq and top-order batsman Goodwin will bolster the XI which had the better of the draw with MCC when they return to the field at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday.

They will also have Matt Prior available for that Hampshire contest and beyond, having been able to field him only three times in 2007.

“It has been a fantastic time for Sussex,” Adams said, reflecting on success at Hove.

“Over the last four or five years we’ve played really competitive cricket.

“The nucleus of that squad is very much there, but we also have young players coming through and players coming back from international call-ups.

“We look on paper quite a strong squad. But what I can say from behind closed doors is we are also strong as a unit right now.

“It is great to have Mushy back and Murray Goodwin - two quality players to add to what we’ve already got.”