Top scorer Wright admits emotions were running high (From The Argus)

Top scorer Wright admits emotions were running high

9:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Luke Wright battled his emotions and the conditions to keep Sussex on top of the FL T20 south group at Hove last night.

Wright has been rocked by the death of his close friend Tom Maynard this week but showed his resolve by blasting 91 to set up a 21-run victory over Middlesex.

The England all-rounder was too upset to play in a specially arranged practice match on Tuesday but was determined to put on a show in front of the Sussex fans.

He had to cope with strong winds as he steered Sussex to a total of 161-4 with Middlesex falling well short on 140-6.

The result keeps the Sharks level with Essex at the top of the group ahead of their showdown at Hove tomorrow.

Wright said: “It was very tough having the minute’s silence. I’m devastated as Tom was a hell of a bloke.

“I was lucky enough to get close to him since he moved to Surrey. My brother is also good friends and we have been away on trips together.

“It has hit the family hard and a lot of people around cricket are devastated but you have got to carry on while still trying to remember him.

“I wanted to play as the more I have sat around and thought about what has happened the more upset I have got.

“It was nice to come out and get a few runs and contribute to a good result. It was hard batting in the wind and I had to manage what I was doing.

“You couldn’t really hit down the ground towards the sea off the spinners and that is a big part of my game so I had to target the bowlers at the other end.

“It would have been nice to score a century and I might have got there with a bit of a stronger finish but I’ll happily take 91.”