Mike Yardy and Luke Wright will have the whole of Sussex behind them when they bid to make history.

England have never won a major cricket tournament but that will change if they beat Australia in the final of the World Twenty20 in Barbados today (4.30).

Yardy’s effective left-arm spin and Wright’s muscular middle order hitting have made them key members of the side although their performances have come as no surprise to Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson.

He said: “Everyone in Sussex will want Yards and Wrighty to do well and it would be great for them, Sussex and the country if we can finally go one better.”

Robinson has been championing Yardy’s cause for months.

Yardy played a key role in Sussex’s Twenty20 Cup success last season and Robinson told England coach Andy Flower that his captain should be in the side.

He added: “Yards is the most effective Twenty20 spin bowler in the country and has been for some time.

“I kept telling anyone in the England management who would listen about him and he has more than vindicated his selection.”

“Wrighty has been around the England set-up for a while now and he has been involved in some really good partnerships with Eoin Morgan that have helped us win games.

“The part he has played should not be under-estimated.”