Sussex chairman David Green was the proudest man in the County Ground today as his son Jeremy made his debut for the county.

The 17-year-old leg-spinner and Academy team-mate Andrew Hodd, who will keep wicket, were in the side to face West Indies A in a 50 overs friendly.

Green had a taste of first team action when he did 12th man duties during a pre-season friendly. This week he has played two second team games and coach Peter Moores was keen to have a closer look at the two teenagers.

Jeremy revealed: "I was told on Monday that I would be playing and it came as a big surprise.

"I'm really looking forward to it and it will be great to play alongside Hoddy. I first played with him in the Sussex under-11s and I hope we can make a good impression."

Jeremy first played the game seriously as an eight-year-old and honed his skills in the cricket ground built by his father in the back garden of their Woodmancote home.

Green senior said: "I was at the ground before the season started looking for Jeremy and got a bit of a surprise when someone told me he was out on the field, but this is even more of a shock.

"I like to think he picked up a few tips from me in the back garden, but it will be a very proud moment for the family when he plays today."

With James Kirtley linking-up with the England one-day squad today and Paul Hutchison recovering from shin splints, second team Mark Robinson is likely to play his first game of the season.

Richard Montgomerie, Robin Martin-Jenkins and Murray Goodwin were representing the county in the televised Zone 6 Cricket Challenge at Edgbaston today, but they will return for tomorrow's day-night match against India.

Sussex Second XI suffered defeat against Essex by 72 runs in the first of eight group games in the one-day Trophy.

Chasing a target of 266 at Bishops Stortford, Sussex were bowled out for 193 with 2.2 of their 50 overs remaining. Sussex subsided after Krishana Singh (40) and Tony Cottey (37) shared a six-wicket stand of 51. Essex posted 265-5 after chosing to bat, with James Middlebrook firing 80 and Barry Hyam an unbeaten 69. Off-spinner Cottey was the most economical of Sussex's bowlers with 1-37 in 10 overs, his wicket coming when he had Minal Aktar leg before.