Why Sussex CCC win over Leicestershire was special

The 18-run success kept them top of division two.

It made headlines for Louis Kimber’s stunning 243 off 127 balls– and the 43 he took off one over delivered by the generally impressive Ollie Robinson.

But there were plenty more reasons to savour four days of sun-kissed cricket which added to the momentum developing at Hove after some tough seasons.

Here we look at six of the best of them…

Opening the gates

It was apparently slightly contentious among some members but Sussex threw open the gates for the first day and offered free admission.

They were rewarded by a good-sized crowd who enjoyed fine weather and a superb day’s play.

It was against Leicestershire almost 21 years ago now that the public queued down the road from 8am to get into a day of Championship cricket at Hove.

Different times, of course. That was the day they won their first ever Championship title.

We are a long way from that but, after tough years and a team which was too raw, it seems Sussex have a proper line-up now with the best of the youngsters and a significant input from senior players.

Why not share the secret?

What a finish

One thing you quickly learn about cricket is that it often drags on longer than expected.

Although “drags” was the wrong word this time.

Having been delayed by an interview elsewhere, I noticed Leicestershire were seven down and quickened my step to the County Ground thinking it might be all over before I got there.

That was just before midday!

Others will have given the final day a miss thinking it was a formality. In fact, Sussex have won three in a row at Hove now and all have had their degree of suspense on the final day’s play.

Pitch perfect

Paul Farbrace has always spoken about wanting his Sussex side to play good cricket on a good pitch.

In particular, that applies to his young players who need to learn good habits.

We can all go out there and stare at the middle but the head coach, players and ground staff are the best judges of the surface which is served up.

Certainly, on the livestream, a pitch can sometimes look different colours from different ends.

Farbrace said: “It has been four brilliant days of cricket, fantastic sunshine and yet another magnificent pitch at Hove that had everything.

“It had bounce, carry, it turned on days three and four and everybody showed that, if you bat well on it, you can score runs on it.”

While Sussex used a five-pronged seam attack, spinners James Coles and the newly-capped Jack Carson combined for 6-194 in 36 overs in the fourth innings.

Oli and Sean back in the hunt

Coaches often talk about players being ready and taking opportunities when they arise and that happened for Oli Carter and Sean Hunt.

Carter came in because of the injury which ruled Dan Hughes out of what would have been his Championship debut, with Tom Clarke already absent.

Farbrace spoke about Carter having had some tough weeks of late.

But, cometh the hour, he produced two very different innings, both of which suited the requirements.

True, next time he gets to 96 he might play a different shot.

But he is improving amid good company.

Hunt came back for a spell late on day two which brought four quick wickets and wrapped up the Leicestershire first innings, then showed what he can do with the bat.

Again, it was an unexpected opportunity.

Sussex sent in one night-watcher, as they are now called, in Carson and he failed to get to stumps, which is the second time that has happened at Hove this season.

Hunt held the fort, then played some shots the next morning.

Kimber makes history

There are some rather niche records in cricket.

Best partnership by County A against County B at such and such a ground – stuff like that.

Absolute records are best – and rare.

So, while sympathetic to Ollie Robinson, seeing the most productive (a better word that expensive) over ever in the County Championship comes into the “I was there” category.

Most sixes, quickest 200. What we saw from Louis Kimber was something which will live in the memory for years and in the record books for... well, how long?

Cricket is about stats more than many sports.

But it is also about moments.

Hove witnessed its own Andrew Flintoff/Brett Lee moment when John Simpson went to the batsman after he was out within a few big hits of an astonishing win.

Other Sussex players quickly followed.

Robinson gave Kimber a congratulatory pat on the shoulder at lunch, just a few minutes after that 43-run over.

There were suggestions among Sussex followers and even Farbrace that, had Kimber completed the win, all you could do was hold up your hands and say, ‘Well done’.

That’s a nice sentiment but I am not so sure it would have that simple had Sussex lost the game.

Happily, for them, it did not come to that.

John Simpson is good news

Almost a forgotten storyline after the match was that Sussex’s captain scored his first century at Hove – and nearly made it a double.

Like Tymal Mills in T20, the former Middlesex man is leading by example.

He is fifth in the division two batting averages with 75.55, has reached three figures three times and is an incredible 392-0 against Leicestershire this season.

The man appointed captain when he signed this winter set the platform for the win.

Sussex have added experience and know-how this season and 34-3 on the first morning – or late bowling stints by Danny Lamb and Nathan McAndrew - are the situations in which it is needed.

Farbrace said winning in the way they did can only help this Sussex team.

Which it can, just as long as they don’t think they are bulletproof.

There was a moment of youthful impetuosity which cost them five penalty runs in this contest but it feels like they have strong leadership.

They will need it as Middlesex and, one assumes, Yorkshire now they have their first win, apply pressure in the coming months.