JASON GILLESPIE has urged his Sussex side to develop a killer instinct.

The head coach admitted he was frustrated by a 57-run defeat to Australia at Hove yesterday.

Half-centuries from Phil Salt and Laurie Evans plus 45 by Harry Finch gave the Sharks a chance of chasing the 278 in 50 overs needed to beat the tourists.

But they were unable to turn what was a good contest into a finale to go into county folklore.

Gillespie said: “We’ve asked our batting group about that. Getting to 40, just not good enough. Getting to 50.

“You have got to see the game through and do a job for the team. That is what is required.”

He added: “What I see is our batsmen getting starts and doing all the hard work and then not going on getting big scores.

“We need to be better at that and the only way we are going to get better at that is learn. When we are in those situations, make good decisions and keep making good decisions. The lads will learn and adapt and it may just take a little bit of time.”

Gillespie praised his side’s efforts in recent weeks and said: “All I want to do is see the lads play better.”

New signing Tom Bruce and opener Luke Wright play in a strong Sharks XI versus the Australian Aboriginals XI in a T20 at Hove today (3pm). Admission is free and the match is preceded by a women’s fixture at 11am.