SURREY V SUSSEX at the Kia Oval (RCC)
1-4 MAY 2026

Sixth plays host to fourth in Division One. While Surrey have been involved in three high-scoring draws, but for Sussex's 12-point penalty the Martlets' start to the season could hardly have gone better, with victories over Leicestershire and Warwickshire followed by a draw with Yorkshire at Leeds.

But Sussex Cricket is in a severe financial crisis, due to a £1.3m operating loss in 2024-25, which led to the Seasiders being placed under special measures by the ECB. The inevitable cost-cutting exercise therefore puts a number of their players in the shop window, so to speak.

Tom Price, who made the move from Gloucestershire, is leading the way with the bat with 308 championship runs at an average of 61.00. Jack Leaning (formerly of Yorkshire and, more recently, Kent) is also averaging 42.60, plus there's been plenty of late-order runs thanks to Fynn Hudson-Prentice (45.00) and Ollie Robinson (48.00).

Henry Crocombe, a tall and lively 24-year-old seamer, has already bagged 16 red-ball scalps at just 17.87 runs apiece, while Hudson-Prentice and Robinson have 10 at 20.00 and 21.50 respectively.

In the absence of Dan Worrall, whose road back to full fitness is proving longer than anyone anticipated, Surrey’s bowling averages are currently best viewed by peering through the gaps between one's fingers. That said, Jordan Clark and Matt Fisher have been hindered by dropped catches.

Runs haven't been a problem for the Oval outfit, although they would clearly like Rory Burns (85 at an average of 17.00) to hit form.

Surrey v Sussex - First-Class Records Sheet

Sean Abbott is just 1 run away from 3,000 in first-class cricket, while Matt Fisher (963), Ollie Pope (8,906) and Dom Sibley (9,875) are also eyeing up f-c landmarks with the bat. If he plays, Adam Thomas will be making his first-class debut. Turning to the visitors... Henry Crocombe will start with 97 f-c career wickets, Tom Haines 5,891 runs, Fynn Hudson-Prentice 2,909 runs and Tom Price 98 wickets.

Ben Foakes and Tom Lawes are missing due to the injuries they picked up during last week's clash with Essex - Foakes when he was bowling some lively medium pace in the game's dying embers! Jamie Smith will therefore don the keeper's gloves. Reece Topley looks set to replace Lawes, while Ryan Patel and Adam Thomas are on hand to bat at number six.

Surrey haven't lost a four-day game to Sussex at the Oval since 1994, plus, if the South Londoners are going to challenge again for the title, they need to get their season up and running. The pitch could be an issue, though, and possibly the weather. This summer's first two fixtures in SE11 have only produced 46 wickets. Prediction - Draw.

D.Hughes, T.Haines, T.Clark, J.Coles, J.Leaning, J.Simpson (wk), T.Price, F.Hudson-Prentice, J.Carson, O.Robinson (capt) and H.Crocombe.

Graham Lloyd and Russell Warren.

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