Sussex tour fits the bill

11:24pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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Judged purely in terms of results, Sussex's pre-season tour of Dubai was not successful.

But as he returned from the desert today, coach Mark Robinson was adamant that it has been perfect in terms of their preparation for the serious challenges which lie ahead.

With no Murray Goodwin, Mushtaq Ahmed or Ryan Harris it was always going to be tough for Sussex to compete with their full-strength rivals in the Pro ARCH Trophy.

But Robinson and skipper Chris Adams have been able to look at the progress of the county's youngsters and like what they saw.

The core of the side which will try to become the first to win a hat-trick of Championships for 40 years is pretty settled. Barring injuries, Adams, Goodwin, Mike Yardy, Matt Prior, Ryan Harris, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Luke Wright and Mushtaq should all be in the side which kicks off the new season against Hampshire in three weeks.

But that still leaves three places up for grabs.

Four fast bowlers are vying to be Harris's new ball partner: Jason Lewry, James Kirtley, Chris Liddle and the unproven Rageb Aga.

Of more concern are filling those crucial positions at the top of the order.

Chris Nash opened throughout last season and although a breakthrough maiden hundred eluded him he grew into the role.

Assuming Nash gets the nod, it looks like the battle to open with him is between three players: Carl Hopkinson, Andrew Hodd and Michael Thornely.

Hopkinson was Richard Montgomerie's regular partner during the 2006 title win but he lost his place when Michael Yardy regained fitness midway through last season and is desperate to get it back.

He believes his maiden hundred for the first team against Nottinghamshire in the Pro40 League last September could be a turning point in his career.

He said: "Last year didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I think I put myself under too much pressure which had a negative effect. But getting that hundred showed me how I need to approach my cricket by being more relaxed. That might be the key for me this season."

Hodd has little experience of opening and although two first-class hundreds last season suggested he has the temperament to succeed, Sussex might opt for their most experienced pair at least for the opening weeks of the season which would be Nash and Hopkinson.

Thornely, of course, has other ideas.

The 21-year-old has impressed Robinson in Dubai after spending a productive close season in Perth where he helped his club side reach their grade finals.

"It was good to play cricket all year round," said Thornely. "I worked hard on my game and trained a lot and really enjoyed it, the standard was pretty good."

Of all the emerging players in the squad, it could be argued that Thornely deserves first crack at a first-team batting spot.

He scored 726 second-team runs last season at an average of 48 and a further 173 at 34.60 in the one-day trophy. His returns from two games against touring sides in 2006 were modest and the step up to facing world-class bowlers in the Championship is a big one to make but his time may have come.

"I feel I had a good first year," added Thornely.

"I really enjoyed it and did quite well, scoring a few hundreds in the second team. But I'm looking to step up from there and hopefully get a few chances in the first team.

"There are a few more players around this season so there is going to be a lot more competition for places but I'm really up for it and determined to take my opportunity when it comes around."

Despite the results, Sussex have got a lot out of their second visit to Dubai.

The practice facilities were excellent, the weather perfect and the opposition a step up from the club standard local sides they played in 2006.

The temperature will certainly be a few degrees colder on Monday when Sussex play their first friendly at Hove.

With Harris, Mushtaq and Goodwin not due to arrive until the week after next, the matches against Glamorgan and Gloucestershire will provide further opportunities for some of those on the peripheral of first-team places to stake their claim.

It is unlikely Sussex will field the side which opens the Championship defence when they face an MCC side including Andrew Flintoff over four days at Lord's a fortnight tomorrow.

Mushtaq's participation in the Indian Cricket League could delay his arrival while Goodwin prefers to tune-up for the campaign in the nets rather than the middle.

But for several players selection for that game will be the clearest indication that they are in Robinson's plans for the start of Sussex's hat-trick bid.