Sussex's batsmen are relishing the battle with the world's quickest bowlers at Hove tonight.

Shoaib Akhtar, the only player to bowl a 100mph delivery, leads Durham Dynamos' attack in the totesport League division two day-nighter (Start 4.10pm).

Shoaib only took one wicket when the sides met at the County Ground a year ago, but the Pakistani thrilled the crowd with an express-pace six-over spell off a run-up which began only a couple of paces inside the boundary rope.

Director of cricket Peter Moores said: "He's one of the most exciting sights in the world at full pelt, but our batsmen will see it as a great challenge to test themselves. All professional sportsman thrive on facing the very best.

"The crowd love to see people bowling fast, but if you get bat on it the ball can fly as we saw last year. It should be great fun."

Durham are one of only three sides Sussex have beaten in one-day cricket this season, having defeated them at the Riverside in the C&G Trophy last month.

But just two League wins from eight starts means they desperately need a victory tonight to rebuild confidence and start climbing the table.

Jason Lewry (rib), Mushtaq Ahmed (thigh) and Mohammad Akram (ankle) should all be available for selection.

Sussex (probable): Ward, Prior, Goodwin, Adams, Cottey, Martin-Jenkins, Wright, Davis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Kirtley, Akram.