It is never too early to get some practice in if you plan to devour the opposition this season.

Just ask the Sussex cricketers who took a break during yesterday's photocall to munch their way through some sticky buns.

Overseas players Murray Goodwin and Mushtaq Ahmed were among those on parade and both will play in the county's final warm-up game on Friday, a three-day encounter against Cardiff UCCE at Hove. Sussex open their Championship campaign at Lord's against Middlesex on Wednesday week.

Before all that a strong Sussex side play a two-day match against Somerset II at Yeovil, starting tomorrow.

It will be captained by James Kirtley with Jason Lewry, Paul Hutchison, Billy Taylor and Kevin Innes also in action.

Lewry is anxious to rediscover his best form after a poor 2002 when he took a modest 33 wickets in ten Championship matches.

He said: "I had my benefit season but I don't want to use that as an excuse because my performances were just not good enough.

"I remember a game at the end of the season when I literally didn't know where the ball was going and I don't ever want to experience that feeling again."

thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/sport/cricket