Mike Yardy has won the battle to fill the vacancy in the Sussex batting order.

The 24-year-old left-hander will bat at No.3 when the county face Surrey in the Championship opener at the Oval tomorrow.

There is still a chance that Tim Ambrose, his closest rival for the place created by Tony Cottey's retirement, could also play. Ambrose has been named in a squad of 13 and could be as low as seven in the order if Sussex decide to load their batting and play only four specialist bowlers.

Yardy made his breakthrough against Surrey in the final match of last season when he scored his maiden Championship hundred. And he will have fond memories of his last visit to the Oval two years ago when his final day rearguard action almost saved the game.

Director of cricket Peter Moores said: "Yards deserves his opportunity. I like the presence of another left-hander and he helps give us a solid top order. He's also done well against Surrey in the past which will give him confidence."

Yardy's elevation means Murray Goodwin, skipper Chris Adams and Matt Prior, who opened for MCC this week, all drop down a place with Prior due to bat at No.6.

Yardy could also have a role to play with the ball if Sussex opt to use Ambrose. That would leave them with three front-line seamers as well as Mushtaq Ahmed and no place for either Mark Davis or Luke Wright.

Moores is happy with his squad's preparations which were completed yesterday when the three-day match against Loughborough UCCE ended in a draw.

Sussex extended their first innings until after lunch before declaring on 490-9, a lead of 253. They reduced the students to 27-4 second time around, but Sussex Academy player Krishnah Singh defied the county for over two hours with an unbeaten 29 as Loughborough reached 103-5 in their second innings.

Sussex (probable team v Surrey, tomorrow 11am): Ward, Montgomerie, Yardy, Goodwin, Adams, Prior, Martin-Jenkins, Wright, Mushtaq Ahmed, Kirtley, Lewry.

April 12, 2005