Sharks reach quarter finals

On Friday evening Sussex Sharks sealed a quarter final spot after beating Middlesex.

They will play Lancashire Lightning at home on September 6th. A home game seemed unlikely last Thursday after Somerset beat the Sharks comfortably. A win by Somerset at Glamorgan on Friday would mean Somerset finish second and get the home tie. As it was Glamorgan beat Somerset.

It’s ironic that – whilst in the last 10 years Sussex have been in the second division – they have had a white ball side of considerable potential with the likes of Chris Jordan, Phil Salt and Rashid Khan.

They never won the competition, nor looked likely to be promoted.

Coach Paul Farbrace has made a huge contribution to Sussex’s success in both formats and the recruitment – notably John Simpson and Jayden Swales – has been excellent.

Simpson as skipper has improved leadership on the pitch – discipline cost Sussex penalty points last season.

The rejuvenation is all the more remarkable as Sussex could not call on the services of Jofra Archer and, like all non-Test ground counties, has a low turnover and can lose young stars to the richer counties, as happened last season when Aly Orr joined Hampshire. James Coles, a stylish batter and wicket-taking spinner, and only 20, would be vulnerable.

Over at the Amex, the main talking point is the aptitude of Graham Potter as England coach.

He is English and available but has never coached at that level.