Promotion beckons for Sussex

Sussex are within touching distance of securing promotion from the Second Division. The title is also within their sights

Sussex can take a decisive step towards a return to LV= County Championship Division One over the next four days.

They boast a 20-point cushion over Glamorgan at the top of Division Two, and go into their meeting at Hove, which gets under way tomorrow, knowing victory will all but secure them the title.

Glamorgan, for their part, realistically know they need to win to maintain their chances of lifting the trophy, while third-placed Gloucestershire will be hoping to capitalise on a slip that would allow them to move into the second promotion spot.

A wash-out in last night's floodlit Clydesdale Bank 40 encounter at Hove dented Sussex's hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but they retain a mathematical chance of lifting two trophies.

“It is great for the club to be challenging for honours on two fronts again,” said Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks.

“With our mix of homegrown and imported talent under the inspirational leadership of Michael Yardy, the club continues to go through its transition from the great team of the last decade.

“To remain successful in that time is a testament to the skill of our coaching team lead by Mark Robinson.”

Sussex squad: Michael Yardy (captain), James Anyon, Ben Brown, Corey Collymore, Murray Goodwin, Liam Hatchett, Andrew Hodd, Ed Joyce, Chris Nash, Monty Panesar, Ollie Rayner, Luke Wright, Yasir Arafat.