THE GLOVES are on for Sussex's teenage wicket-keeper Nick Wilton! He makes his first team debut in the Championship clash against Hampshire, starting at Hove today.

Wilton was due to play in Sunday's AXA League washout away to Leicestershire.

Now the 19-year-old from Crowborough gets his chance to gun down Hants in place of fellow Arsenal fan Shaun Humphries, who failed a fitness test yesterday on a finger injury.

Wilton, who will be watched by his proud parents Graham and Sue, said: "I'm really looking forward to it.

"I will probably be a bit nervous, but at the moment I'm just excited. I cannot wait."

Coach Peter Moores, Sussex's first choice keeper until announcing his retirement at the start of the season, said: "Nick has learnt a lot in the second eleven about professional cricket and this is a good chance for him to show what he can do.

"He's a good keeper, there's no doubt about that, and he can bat as well."

Wilton joins Jamie Carpenter as Sussex make two changes to the team which routed Middlesex inside two days.

The 22-year-old all-rounder is recalled after a two month absence at the expense of an out-of-form Mark Newell as Chris Adams' men seek a third successive Championship success.

Carpenter, who played five games earlier in the summer, has regained his place in the middle order following a prolific spell of form for Sussex's title-chasing Second XI.

He has scored a hundred and four half-centuries in his last five innings and is determined to nail down a permanent place.

"I'll definitely be approaching the game in a more relaxed mood and playing with a bit more freedom," he said.

Hampshire have named veteran left-arm spinner Raj Maru in a squad of 12 as cover for injured vice-captain Shaun Udal, who has a fractured ankle.

Sussex: Peirce, Wasim Khan, Adams, Bevan, Rao, Carpenter, Martin-Jenkins, Wilton, Kirtley, Lewry, Robinson.

Hampshire (from): Stephenson, White, Kendall, Smith, Aymes, Mascarenhas, Keech, James, Morris, Hartley, McLean, Maru.

BORN: Pembury in Kent, 23rd September 1978.

CAREER: Started as a bowler for Crowborough Colts. Became regular keeper for Crowborough men's side in East Sussex League at the age of 14.

Played for England under-14's and under-17's. Helped England under-19's win the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year with two catches in the final against New Zealand.

HEROES: Alan Knott, Ian Healey.

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