More worries at Sussex CCC

The decision of young Ali Orr – Sussex Sharks wicketkeeper – to reject a new contract and sign for Hampshire has sent shock waves through the club.

In the past three years there have been many departures: virtually the whole of the first team, coaches Ian Salisbury – and before him – Dizzy Gillespie and CEO Rob Andrew.

Sussex are still in Division Two and a brilliant one-day side dismantled.

Ex-captains Ian Gunner Gould and Chris Adams have resigned from the Cricket Committee whilst Matt Prior is vocal in his criticism.

There has been no cricket at the outer grounds at Arundel, Eastbourne and Horsham.

Yet, for all of this, I have the utmost sympathy and support for Sussex.

Like most counties without Test status, financially it’s tough – their turnover is £5m of which 66% goes in player’s wages.

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire are in worse financial predicaments.

Sussex, who own their own ground, are solvent and the Tate development by the entrance has been successful.

The Test counties – Surrey, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Hampshire, Glamorgan and Durham – have a clear advantage.

Players suffer from burn-out with the additional encumbrance of the Hundred.

Easy to criticise less so to act.