Wright targets world record

Luke Wright is well-known as one of the most powerful hitters in the game and will look to set a new world record on Friday

With the Twenty20 Cup just days away, Sussex and England all-rounder Luke Wright will attempt to set a new world record at Hove tomorrow for the longest distance a cricket ball has ever been hit.

The big-hitting 24-year-old will take on the record of the Rev Walter Fellows, who is recorded in Wisden as driving a ball 175 yards (160 metres) ‘from hit to pitch’ in 1856 at the Christ Church ground in Oxford.

Wright, who is a member of England’s 15-man squad for next month’s World Twenty20, will take guard in a specially prepared net at the top of the ground, with his Sussex team-mates providing the bowling.

He said: “With the Twenty20 Cup starting on the 25 May and the World Twenty20 tournament in June, it should be good practice aiming a few blows all over Hove.

“The batting record is a monster and will be tough to beat, but hopefully a few shots will get close.”

The record is listed in Wisden and the Guinness Book of Records has been informed that the record-breaking bid is planned.

Official cricket umpires will be there to ensure all measurements are recorded correctly and flags will be positioned to show how far Wright needs to go to break the record.

Sussex have also confirmed that all car parks at Hove will be cleared on the day.