Sussex v Worcestershire/final day

The second division county championship game will be little reported – and there were not that many spectators – but for those that watched it it will live long in the memory for its ebbs and flows. Sussex declared in the morning at 441-7, setting Worcestershire a target of 385.

One person I spoke to thought it ‘soft’ on the basis that Sussex had only 3 wins in 3 seasons and needed a victory, not gift the game to Worcestershire who might overtake them.

I took the view that it would make for an enthralling game, as indeed it did.

My friend became increasingly grumpy as Worcestershire were by tea well onto the target, Jake Libby scoring a load of runs as he always does against Sussex and Azhar Ali peerlessly occupying the crease.

As often happens, on this match there was a twist at the end with Worcestershire wickets falling.

With 2 balls left any result was possible – a draw, a tie or a victory to either side.

Worcestershire fell short and this was the fitting end to a match that always ebbed and flowed. It was a huge advert for county cricket.

At lunch we saw Jofra Archer going through his fitness regime and trialling bowling with his left arm.

Those who criticise the county structure should note the vital role Sussex are playing in his rehabilitation.