Wright shines bright in gloom

Luke Wright's contributions with bat and ball impressed Sussex skipper Chris Adams

Luke Wright heightened his reputation as a genuine all-rounder in first-class cricket despite the weather putting paid to the season’s curtain-raiser between Sussex and MCC.

The 23-year-old all-rounder has been cast as something of a one-day specialist but a career-best unbeaten 155 at Lord’s - allied with hostility with the ball - is a good start to shedding the image.

Most of the attention will be on the County Championship comeback of another all-rounder this week when Andrew Flintoff turns out for Lancashire.

But Wright’s potential as understudy and successor to Flintoff at all international levels displayed itself as he provided the biggest individual contribution to Sussex’s 474 for five, which put them 440 runs ahead and out of range of their opponents, going into the final day.

“These fixtures are not always just about preparation for a long season, they’re also career enhancers, aren’t they?” said Sussex captain Chris Adams after the washout.

“Luke Wright has hit a 150, his highest score, against a very strong bowling side.

“And he bowled very well. I think having seen Ryan Harris bowl at a certain tempo, that sort of challenge was great for Luke.

“He will see that as a guide to lifting his game to another level. He bowled with great pace, got good bounce and showed great discipline, and certainly seems to have come on this winter, for sure.”

Wright, 23, was the unfortunate bowler who knocked out MCC tailender Steve Kirby on the second day, but Kirby recovered from concussion and was released from hospital on Saturday.

Steve Kirby has recovered after being left concussed by a Wright ball © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Grantham-born Wright is determined to push for further international recognition after making a good impression with England in limited-overs cricket.

England’s management are also keen for him to bowl flat out, as he did in this match, for his own career progression.
Just as last year, this contest finished in stalemate but Sussex were given a good test, particularly in the first innings, ahead of their quest for a third straight County Championship title, which begins on Wednesday against Hampshire.

“We got everything and probably a little bit more than we could have hoped for from the game,” said Adams, whose side recovered well after being bundled out for 171 on the opening day.

“The decision to bat first was probably a decision based on possible scenarios next week.

“We fully expect to go to the Rose Bowl and find a similar type of pitch. It will be grassy and seam will be prevalent throughout the game.

“And we know statistically there that batting first is the way forward.

“I wanted to put the guys under pressure really and bat first in those conditions against what I thought was a very impressive line-up.

“I thought the bowling from the MCC in the first innings was incredibly impressive.

“They were all busting a gut to impress and prove what they can do.”

Last year’s corresponding fixture left Michael Yardy sidelined for weeks with a broken finger and Sussex have suffered another casualty this week with veteran bowler Jason Lewry out for at least a fortnight with knee and calf niggles.