Ben Brown is ready to take on the responsibility of leading Sussex into the new season.

He goes into the campaign as a married man, having wed in the close season.

But, amid that very grown up world, he admits there is a bit of him which feels like a little kid as the new campaign draws close.

Brown was confirmed as skipper fore the Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup over the weekend.

He stepped up to lead in four-day cricket for the latter part of last season after Luke Wright stepped down.

Perhaps just as interesting is the decision of Wright to resume captaincy duties as he takes charge of the Vitality T20 Blast side.

Sussex continued their build-up against Loughborough MCCU by starting a three-day friendly at Hove yesterday after a two-dayer at home to Hampshire was washed out.

Brown celebrated in the best style with a second century of pre-season.

The 29-year-old has spent plenty of time in South Africa of late and is ready and refreshed for what could be a landmark season for the county under the guidance of new coach Jason Gillespie.

He told The Argus: “I got married in the winter so that was a fair distraction from cricket!

“I had a really nice break and went away on honeymoon.

“Then some of us had a batting camp in Cape Town before the main pre-season trip so I had five weeks over there which was awesome.

“It is such a great spot so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go “I’m excited and I think a lot of the guys are.

“A new coach coming in with the calibre and reputation that Dizzy has is just hugely exciting for all of us.

“I have felt just like a kid again playing in pre-season.

“I’m looking forward to playing and impressing someone new and looking forward to winning the respect of a hugely respected coach.”

Sussex never really mounted a serious promotion push last season after a sluggish start.

They will look for better when they open the 2018 programme on the road against Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

The home campaign gets underway against Gloucestershire from Friday, April 27.

Brown says Sussex will not be short of motivation to make up for last term.

He said: “I think you always learn, especially when it doesn’t go well.

“When you end up not doing as well as you want to as a team, I think the hunger and the desire is always increased to do better.

“We had some players emerge, people like Jofra (Archer) having a breakthrough season if you like and kicking on.

“There are some exciting cricketers here who just need an opportunity and will be wanting an opportunity and we have got a fresh set of eyes on all of us.”

Brown has made a good impression on his new coach.

Gillespie said: “For me it’s pretty clear that Ben is a real leader among this group of players. I’m delighted to offer him this opportunity and the same with Luke.”

He added: “I think Luke will relish a bit of responsibility for the Blast and he can act as a massive support for Ben in the other forms of the game.”

Brown passed three figures well before stumps on day one against Loughborough.

Sussex’s top batsmen found it tough and were 102-5 at lunch.

Harry Finch, unbeaten on 45 at that stage, went on to make 80 and looked well set for a ton before falling victim to a direct hit run out from square leg.

Brown then took charge en route to 119 not out after five of the top six went cheaply in a tough first session.

There was just time for Will Beer to reach a maiden first-class 50 as Sussex closed on 337-7.

The match continues today and tomorrow before Surrey come to Hove for a two-day friendly from next Monday. Admission to pre-season fixtures is free.