Sussex take three wickets for one run against Australia

Australia 187 for 5 at tea on day one

Sussex started their match against Australia today and although the visitors won the toss, Sussex made a good start to the highly anticipated Australian visit.

Phillip Hughes and Simon Katich opened the batting. Hughes carved 12 off the first over of the day, but could have been out three times off the bowling of James Kirtley.

Pepler Sandri was the first to strike in the morning session as he dramatically removed the middle stump of Hughes, who had scored 15. 

Ricky Ponting then came to the crease and looked in fine form, but the introduction of Luke Wright to the attack sam the Australian skipper edge behind to the awaiting gloves of Andy Hodd.

Mike Hussey joined Simon Katich at the crease and the pair took the visitors to 90 for no loss at lunch.

 The afternoon session got off to a flyer for the home team, with the Sussex bowlers taking three quick wickets for the addition of just one run. 

Pepler Sandri was the man of the moment again, as he had the dangerous Simon Katich caught by Sussex skipper Mike Yardy on 49. Sandri made a real impression during the morning’s session and carried this through to the afternoon – bowling with pace and control, as well as late movement. Sandri joined Sussex early this year and was somewhat of an unknown quantity to many of the Sussex supporters. His aggressive run up and fiery pace has been an encouraging sign as he plays his first match in first team colours.

James Kirtley was the next man to take a wicket for Sussex as he had Mike Hussey caught in front of all three and adjudged leg before wicket. Kirtely, having been strucjk for 12 from his first over has been a handful for the Australians all day and showed that he still ahs what it takes to perform in the longer form of the game. Hussey made 32 from 48 balls in his time at the crease.

The third wicket of the session fell again to the ever impressive Pepler Sandri. Marcus North edged behind to Andy Hodd making just one run.

However, Michael Clarke (27 not out) and Brad Haddin (44 not out) saw the Australians through to tea with no further loss with the score on 187 for 5.

It’s been a great day of cricket and the youth and experience of the Sussex attack are putting up a great fight against the world’s best. Keep checking back for more coverage of this fantastic spectacle.

We’ll keep you updated on the website, so stay tuned!! And remember there will be highlights available tomorrow morning as well as some end of day interviews this evening on Sussex TV.