CHAD KEEGAN will take the new ball at Hove tonight as Sussex try to strengthen their bid for a one-day double.

The Sharks have already won the Twenty20 Cup and can open up a three-point lead at the top of the Pro40 League with victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Hove (4.40pm).

It will be a big step up for the 30-year-old who has played most of his cricket this season for Henley-on-Thames in the Middlesex League.

Signed as bowling cover in May, the 30-year-old has played in both the Friends Provident Trophy and Twenty20 Cup this season. He was released by Middlesex in 2007 because of persistent injuries and suffered another setback earlier this summer when he broke his thumb.

Sussex coach Mark Robinson said: “I hope people don’t expect too much from Chad because it’s a big step up from club cricket to playing under lights in a televised Pro40 game when there is a lot at stake for us.

“But he has done well for us and has been around the squad for most of the season. He has learned how to manage his back, which gave him a lot of problems earlier in his career, but unfortunately he cannot play four-day cricket as a result.”

Sussex’s only other change will see Piyush Chawla replace fellow leg-spinner Will Beer, who will play for the seconds in their 2nd XI Trophy semi-final against Lancashire at Horsham (10.45am).

Meanwhile, Robinson insists that Sussex’s Championship fate is in their own hands.

The county climbed out of the first division relegation zone after their rain-ruined game against Lancashire ended in a draw on Saturday. But they are only a point clear of Hampshire with three games to go. Yorkshire and Warwickshire, both of whom have to come to Hove, have moved clear of the bottom three but have played a game more than Sussex.

In light that was barely playable at Old Trafford Sussex looked on course for more than the one batting point they eventually secured when they reached 190-3.

But the departure of skipper Mike Yardy, who made 86, sparked a collapse which saw five wickets fall in 31 balls for 13 runs as Sussex slumped from 190-3 to 209-9.

They eventually finished with four bonus points after being bowled out for 240 as the match ended in a draw.

Robinson said: “I felt for the boys but if they keep making brave choices, which they did on Saturday by batting in atrocious light, they will get their rewards.

“Bearing in mind the forecast at the start of the game we did well to get four more points but when you are 190-3 it is obviously disappointing to be bowled out for 240.

“It’s in our own hands. Two of our last three games are at Hove where we will have the potential of a wicket-taking threat in Chawla, although we are going to have to bat well to make sure he has a big part in the game.”

Chris Nash will play for the seconds today after recovering from a sprained ankle and hopes to be in contention for the Championship game against Warwickshire at Hove on Wednesday.

Sussex (v Notts): Hamilton-Brown, Joyce, Gatting, Goodwin, Yardy, Smith, Hodd, Keegan, Martin-Jenkins, Chawla, Kirtley.