Sussex step up their preparations for the new season at Hove today when they play Kent in the first of two one-day friendlies.

All 16 players currently available will get a game over the next two days. James Kirtley will lead the side today with captain Chris Adams due to captain tomorrow.

Overseas players Mushtaq Ahmed and Murray Goodwin will join up with the squad in the next few days.

Sussex: Montgomerie, Ambrose, Zuiderent, Yardy, Prior, Martin-Jenkins, Davis, Innes, Kirtley, Taylor, Hutchison.

Meanwhile, the county have confirmed they will return to Eastbourne next season for five days of action, probably in August.

Chairman David Green and Chief Executive Hugh Griffiths met with the Saffrons' authorities and agreed to return for at least the next three years.

The only possible stumbling block is if the renovated square plays poorly when Sussex seconds play Kent there this August.

The host club are considering several options to improve the much maligned changing facilities while local businessmen are underwriting the cost of the festival which will feature a Championship and National League game.