Matt Prior will become one of the youngest captains in Sussex history when he leads the side for the first time tomorrow.
The 23-year-old takes over from Chris Adams for the three-day match against Bangladesh at Hove (10.45am) and Adams says he deserves his promotion.
Adams said: "Matthew is developing at a rapid rate as a cricketer.
"I see a little bit of myself in him. He's up front and positive. But if he has aspirations of captaincy he will have to earn the respect of his team-mates. You are stuffed if you don't have that but I think he will be fine."
Prior said: "It's something I've always wanted to experience. I am keen to develop and strengthen my game and will definitely make the most of this opportunity."
He isn't the only player looking forward to facing the tourists, who are warming up for the first Test at Lord's on Thursday week.
Sean Heather makes his first-class debut and the 23-year-old will be hoping to impress enough to earn an extension to his three-month trial which is due to end in mid-June.
Heather got the chance to see if he could make it as a pro after breaking the Sussex League batting record last season when he scored 1,086 runs for Eastbourne.
Off-spinner Chris Nash makes his second first-class appearance for the county nearly three years after his first but there is an experienced backbone to the team.
Opener Richard Montgomerie is desperately seeking some form after a lean start to the Championship campaign. Tim Ambrose, the player who is threatening Montgomerie's place more than most, will keep wicket.
Director of Cricket Peter Moores said: "There are a lot of nice elements to the game with Matt captaining and the likes of Sean Heather and Chris Nash getting their chance."
Sussex: Montgomerie, Yardy, Heather, Ambrose, Prior, Hopkinson, Van der Wath, Wright, Davis, Nash, Lewry.
Sussex Second XI polished off Surrey with two sessions to spare to get their Championship campaign off to a cracking start at Sutton.
Surrey resumed in a hopeless position on 78-6 facing an improbable 452 to win, and were bowled out for 165 to go down by 286 runs.
The hosts, routed for 93 in their first innings, at least had the consolation of doubling their overnight score thanks to Daniel Pratt (27) and Simon Roberts (22 not out) putting on 40 for the last wicket.
West Indian pace bowler Corry Edwards, who wreaked havoc with 8-64 in the first innings, left it to others to finish off Surrey and did not bowl from having 1-33 overnight.
Surrey lost their remaining four wickets in 1hr 40min with Cuckfield-born medium-pacer Neil Turk taking 2-23 in ten overs.
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