New signing Ed Joyce will open the batting when Sussex open their Pro ARCH Trophy campaign against Lancashire in Dubai today.

With Matt Prior and Luke Wright both on international duty, the former Middlesex man will partner Chris Nash.

Andy Hodd will keep wicket while Sussex have named two spinners - Ollie Rayner and left-armer Tom Smith - in their five-man attack.

The county have been preparing in the desert since Monday and coach Mark Robinson has been pleased with their preparations.

He said: “The facilities and nets are superb and the weather has been good. The spirit in the camp is as you’d expect it to be at this stage of the season and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

New Lancashire coach Peter Moores is reliashing the pre-season battle against his former county.

He said: “There will be a bit of fun there. Both sides will want to win but this week the intensity will not be anything like that first Championship game next month.”

Sussex: Joyce, Nash, Hamilton-Brown, Hopkinson, Yardy, Hodd, Martin-Jenkins, Rayner, Smith, Aga, Liddle.