Tom Haines returns as Sussex announces squad for semi-final against Lancashire

Tom Haines | Source: Twitter

Sussex Sharks, on Monday (August 29) announced a 15-member squad for the first Royal London Cup semi-final, set to be played at Central County Ground against Lancashire.

Tom Haines, who was ruled out of the One Day Cup action after sustaining an injury to his hand during Sussex’s County Championship clash with Leicestershire, has returned to the squad, replacing Dan Ibrahim. 

The fast bowling sensation Ollie Robinson is currently with the England team for the Test series against South Africa and hence he hasn't been named in the squad.

The likes of Jamie Atkins, Jack Carson, and Jofra Archer are still undergoing their individual rehabilitation programs and will miss the knockout matches for Sussex.

Steve Finn, the right-arm quick, continues to be rested due to inflammation of the knee while George Garton is currently playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred. 

As far as Sussex is concerned, the team has been the side to beat this season as they played some outstanding cricket led by the India batting veteran Cheteshwar Pujara. 

The Sharks finished the group stage at the top of the Group A league table, winning six of their eight games. 

They outfoxed Middlesex by 157 runs in their most recent encounter in the competition and must be looking to carry on their winning momentum in the knockout phase, starting Tuesday, August 30. 

Head coach James Kirtley heaps praise on Sussex 

“First of all, it must be said what a brilliant achievement it is for the team to have reached this stage of the competition, and the boys are now building belief.

“The Club and the team are excited about the game tomorrow; we have played some great cricket in recent games. The home form has been strong, and we will look to continue to play that brand of cricket at Hove that has given us such success.

“Our job from the side is to keep everybody level-headed and be able to stay in the moment, and hopefully if we play anything near to our best cricket we will come away successful and look forward to a final.”

Sussex Squad For First Semi-Final 

Cheteshwar Pujara (c), Tom Alsop, Oli Carter, Tom Clark, James Coles, Henry Crocombe, Bradley Currie, Tom Haines, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Sean Hunt, Ari Karvelas, Archie Lenham, Ali Orr, Delray Rawlins, Harrison Ward

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