Coach Mark Robinson believes Sussex’s pace attack is warming up nicely ahead of the opening game of the season at Hampshire on Sunday.

New signing Ajmal Shahzad and Steve Magoffin both followed up four-wicket hauls in the game against Leeds/Bradford university last week with two scalps apiece in a friendly against Surrey yesterday.

Matt Hobden also shone as Surrey were restricted to 151-7 from their 60 overs while Tymal Mills gained more experience of bowling down the Hove slope.

Sussex’s bowling options have taken a blow, however, with the news both Lewis Hatchett and James Anyon will be sidelined until the middle of May due to injury.

Robinson said: “Ajmal has fitted in really well and is already showing what a good bowler he is. He and Mags have formed a good partnership already which is encouraging.

“Hobs (Hobden) bowled the best he has for us yesterday while Tymal is coming to terms with the slope so the attack is really coming together."