Essex Men v Sussex Sharks Men
Vitality Blast
Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford
Friday 11 July 2025, 7:00pm
The Essex Men are back in action under the lights at Chelmsford, set to thrill a sold-out Friday night crowd as they take on the Sussex Sharks Men in round 12 of the Vitality Blast.
Essex were unable to make it back-to-back wins on Tuesday, as they fell to defeat against a strong Somerset side, following victory against Surrey on Sunday.
Chris Silverwood’s side were victims to a 95-run defeat against table-topping Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, despite a spirited effort from young all-rounder Noah Thain.
After winning the toss under the Taunton floodlights, Essex initially struck early through Mohammad Amir, who removed Tom Banton for 15 thanks to a sharp catch at mid-on. Amir was the standout performer with the ball, returning exceptional figures of 3-22 from his four overs amidst an otherwise tough night for the Essex attack.
However, Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 90 from just 39 deliveries – featuring 8 fours and 7 sixes – took the game away from the Eagles. He powered Somerset to an imposing 225-6, dominating partnerships with Will Smeed (32) and Tom Abell (20), as Essex struggled to contain the flow of runs.
The chase required an explosive start, and Paul Walter obliged with 24 from 12 balls, taking 15 from Craig Overton’s opening over. However, wickets fell in a flurry as the Somerset seam attack took hold.
Riley Meredith bowled Michael Pepper with a peach of a delivery, before Matt Henry – playing his final game before departing for international duty – removed both Walter and Benkenstein in quick succession. Essex were 48-5 inside the powerplay.
There was late resistance from 19-year-old Noah Thain, who played with maturity beyond his years. The England U19 prospect struck four sixes in an eye-catching 38 off just 17 balls, briefly igniting hopes of a recovery. But his dismissal – caught at long-on off Overton – brought Essex’s innings to a close at 130 in 14.1 overs.
ICYMI: Simon Harmer
Squad
Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood has selected a 15-player squad for the visit of Sussex at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Rookies Mackenzie Jones and Charlie Bennett remain in the squad whilst Sam Cook returns to Chelmsford following his involvement in the England Men’s Test squad.
Dean Elgar is being rested and rotated at this stage of the Vitality Blast competition to manage his workload ahead of the two upcoming Rothesay County Championship matches at the back end of this month.
The Opposition: Sussex
Captain: Tymal Mills
Overseas Players: Nathan McAndrew (Australia, all group stage), Gurinder Sandhu (Australia, all group stage), Daniel Hughes (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Six (2007, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2024)
Titles: One (2009)
2024 Finish: Semi-finalists
2024 Leading Run-Scorer: Daniel Hughes (596)
2024 Leading Wicket-Taker: Tymal Mills (24)
Sussex Sharks squad: Tymal Mills (c), Henry Crocombe, John Simpson (wk), Danny Lamb, Oli Carter, Jack Carson, Ollie Robinson, Tom Clark, James Coles, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Ari Karvelas, Harrison Ward, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Alsop, George Thomas, Daniel Hughes.
Last Time We Met: Sussex Sharks
Essex Men were denied victory last time out against the Sharks after a torrential downpour of rain in Hove curtained the match early as both sides had to settle for a draw.
In a game reduced to 17 overs a side, Jordan Cox, making only his second appearance in the competition this season after recovering from injury, hit four successive balls from off-spinner Jack Carson for six on his way to a 47-ball 82 in an imposing total of 177 for four.
Shane Snater then took three wickets without conceding a run as Sussex slumped to 23 for 3 after 3.1 overs when the rain which had delayed the start returned at 9.35pm. Umpires Martin Saggers and Hassan Adnan abandoned the game shortly afterwards as the rain set in.
It was a frustrating outcome for Chris Silverwood’s side who displayed a brilliant all-round performance which was highlighted by a high-class contribution from England international Cox and a brutal opening spell from Snater.
South Group Preview
Click here for Part 1 of the team-by-team preview of each of this year’s South Group contenders.
Click here for Part 2 of the team-by-team preview of each of this year’s South Group contenders.
How To Watch
We can confirm that this match against Sussex is SOLD OUT – therefore no more tickets are available to purchase.
However, you can follow the action via the Club’s live stream. This is available on Essex Cricket TV’s YouTube channel or head to the Matchzone for a video scorecard, stats and clips of the action.
Purchase your England v India tickets!
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
