Jason Lewry will captain Sussex for the first time today.

The 29-year-old left-armer leads a strong side against New Zealand A in a four-day friendly at Hove (11am) and admits "it's a great honour."

Lewry is only one of three capped players in the team which includes all-rounder Michael Yardy who will make his first-class debut.

Lewry said: "I'm looking forward to it. The emphasis will be on enjoyment and hopefully I can lead the side to a victory.

"It's a first-class game and there is a lot at stake for guys trying to push into the first team. I'm just wondering when Sussex last had a player captaining the side from No11 in the order!"

Among those hoping to impress are Wasim Khan, Jamie Carpenter, Will House and Shaun Humphries who will come in at No10 in a strong-looking batting line-up.

Robin Martin-Jenkins returns after being sidelined for a fortnight with a side muscle injury while both spinners, Umer Rashid and Justin Bates, will be hoping to exploit a bare pitch expected to turn.

The Kiwis have just one player, wicketkeeper Martyn Croy, with Test experience.

They have won two matches on their tour to date, but both four-day, games against Lancashire and West Indies, have ended in draws.

Sussex: Montgomerie, Peirce, Khan, Carpenter, House, Martin-Jenkins, Yardy, Rashid, Bates, Humphries, Lewry.