Master batsman Michael Bevan is already bringing out the best in his Sussex team-mates, according to coach Peter Moores.

The county open their Championship campaign against Gloucestershire with confidence sky-high after two Bevan-inspired victories over Easter put them in the quarter-finals of the Benson and Hedges Cup for the first time in seven years.

Sussex's overseas star hit an undefeated 65 to guide them to victory over Hampshire on Sunday before making a brilliant 157 not out in the win over Essex the following day.

And Moores believes there is more to come, starting at Bristol today as Sussex embark on a Championship campaign that they hope will end with promotion from the new second division at the first attempt.

Moores said: "Having a player around like Michael is such a lift for Chris Adams and the other guys because the influence he has on them and the game is so positive.

"The great thing is the control he shows, he's a master at handling pressure as well as being such a technically good player. He exudes an air of confidence that suggests to the other guys that he has every situation under control.

"You could see that especially on Sunday when the younger players batting with him drew on his experience and played around him. I'm sure Bev is going to have a big season for us."

Will House is poised to make his Championship debut for his new county today while Mark Robinson is expected to be restored to the attack.

They have been named in a 12-man squad along with Toby Peirce who will resume an opening partnership with Richard Montgomerie which yielded four century stands last season.

House will bat at six with Robinson returning at the expense of Umer Rashid. Robin Martin-Jenkins has a slight side strain but should be fit.

Moores added: "Will has opened in the one-day games, but we signed him as a middle order four-day batsman. The fact that he might be able to do a bit of bowling wasn't really a factor behind our decision.

"We want to have a look at him and give him the opportunity to nail down a spot and we hope he grabs it with both hands."

Moores admitted selecting Pierce ahead of fellow left-hander Wasim Khan had been a 'tough call.'

"Both of them have batted beautifully in what outdoor practice we've had in pre-season.

"Wasim has done nothing wrong, it's now up to him and others like Jamie Carpenter and Bas Zuiderent to get runs in the 2nd XI and make a strong case for selection."

The sides also meet in the opening CGU National League game of the season on Sunday before facing each other in the quarter-final of the Benson & Hedges Cup at Hove on Tuesday week.

Sussex (probable): Montgomerie, Pierce, Adams, Bevan, Cottey, House, Martin-Jenkins, Wilton, Lewry, Kirtley, Robinson.

Gloucestershire (from): Hancock, Barnett, Windows, Alleyne, Hewson, Harvey, Russell, Lewis, Snape, Smith, Ball, Averis, Gannon.

SUSSEX seconds start their championship campaign against Derbyshire at Hove today (11am).