Joe Gatting gets a chance to stake his claim for a place in Sunday’s FP Trophy opener today.

The former Albion striker will bat at No. 4 in Sussex’s opening first-class match of the season against Cambridge UCCE at Fenner’s (11am).

Gatting was only on a development contract when he went on the pre-season tour to Dubai but scored a century in a 50 overs game against Surrey and signed a two-year deal on his return.

A strong Sussex side will be led by new captain Mike Yardy while James Kirtley and Ragheb Aga, both fit after shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively, lead the attack in the absence of the injured Pepler Sandri and Jason Lewry, who is recovering from glandular fever. Luke Wright, earmarked to bat at No. 6 in the Championship this season, is also included along with Ed Joyce, who makes his first-class debut for the county.

Sussex: Yardy (capt), Nash, Joyce, Gatting, Wright, Hamilton-Brown, Hodd, Martin-Jenkins, Rayner, Aga, Kirtley.