James Kirtley is relishing the opportunity to lead Sussex in their Benson and Hedges Cup campaign.

Sussex's 26-year-old fast bowler was appointed the county's new vice-captain last month, but he will skipper the side for the next six matches after Chris Adams was ruled out for a fortnight with a broken thumb.

Adams was hit on the right hand by Alamgir Sheriyar during Sussex's opening Championship game against Worcestershire and he is unlikely to play again until the county's visit to Cambridge University on May 19.

Michael Yardy came into the team for yesterday's Norwich Union League match and is likely to retain his place tomorrow when Sussex's B&H campaign begins at Hove against Essex.

Kirtley said: "The chance to lead the team has come a bit quicker than I expected, but I've always been up for any sort of challenge during my career and this is one I'm really looking forward to.

"Losing Chris is a blow, but I am sure his absence will make the rest of us raise our game a bit more to compensate."

Adams' absence is a blow to Sussex's chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

In the space of six days they face Essex and Middlesex at Hove in between a trip to The Oval on Wednesday to play Surrey.

On Sunday, Kent visit Hastings before the final group game away to Hampshire.