The waiting is over for Sussex batsman Bas Zuiderent.

Two years after joining the staff, the big Dutchman was due to make his Championship debut for the county against Worcestershire this week.

His impressive pre-season form got him the nod ahead of the likes of Will House, Jamie Carpenter and Michael Yardy for a spot in the top order.

Zuiderent, who celebrated his 24th birthday last month, scored a century in the opening game of Sussex's tour against Grenada and followed it up with solid contributions against Northamptonshire's more testing attack.

Coach Peter Moores said: "Of the young batsmen Bas has looked the best in pre-season. It's his time and we'll see if he can take his opportunity.

"We're not going to be able to judge anyone on the basis of one or two games. Bas has earned his chance and I hope he takes it."

Playing his first Championship game at New Road will bring back happy memories for Zuiderent who first came to prominence there when he took 91 off the Pears' attack in a Nat West Trophy game three years ago.

He believes he is reaping the rewards after some intensive winter practice honing his technique.

"I think I'm playing as well as I've ever done," he said. "I'm seeing the ball well because I have worked well on getting my footwork right."

Zuiderent will be anxious to make the most of his opportunity. His domestic season is going to be interrupted in June when he joins up with the Dutch squad hoping to qualify for the next World Cup at the ICC Trophy in Canada.

Zuiderent took a half-century off England's bowlers during the 1995 tournament in India and Pakistan and would love to repeat the World Cup experience again in South Africa the winter after next.

Meanwhile, Glynde teenager Dominic Shepherd made a spectacular start to the new season with two centuries in as many days.

Shepherd struck 100 not out for Glynde firsts in their annual curtain raiser against the 2nd XI. Adam McBrown chipped in with 37 and Dave Proctor 36 as the firsts made 222-8. The 2nd XI were restricted to 103-8 in reply despite 30 from Peter Colbourne.

The following day Shepherd made 107 not out and Proctor 73 not out as Glynde overhauled Ringmer's total of 203-6 for the loss of just one wicket.