Sussex promotes ball tampering

Sussex reveal new Twenty20 shirt

Players from Sussex County Cricket Club have been given the go-ahead to break one of the golden rules of the game – and tamper with their balls.

The squad is actively being encouraged to interfere with their balls on a regular basis – to check for testicular cancer.

Sussex County Cricket Club is supporting Cancer Research UK this season. All Twenty20 matches will raise money for the charity and will be channelled directly towards research into testicular cancer.

Players will wear specially-designed shirts bearing the Cancer Research UK logo and the words “promotes ball tampering”.

Club captain Michael Yardy said: “The slogan – promotes ball tampering – is obviously slightly tongue in cheek. But there is a serious message behind it – and that is about saving lives.

“As a club full of young men, partnering with Cancer Research UK seems an ideal fit as the money raised here will go directly towards further research into testicular cancer.”

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting men between the ages of 15 and 44. The money raised by Sussex will be used by Dr Jonathan Shamash at Queen Mary’s Medical School in London which is co-ordinating a trail which aims to reduce the side effects of BEP chemotherapy.

Sussex estate agent Paul Bonnet, a survivor of testicular cancer will also be at the launch. Paul, 55, of Down Terrace, Brighton, underwent radiotherapy treatment in 1986.

He said: “I was lucky – my cancer was caught early, I had effective treatment and am now what is classed as a long term survivor. But there are plenty more men being diagnosed every day who still need help.

“This is a great way for the players and the fans to raise money together.”

Sussex fans will be able to buy “ball tampering” shirts, priced at £42.00 from the club or by visiting: www.sussexcricket.co.uk.

Sussex will be donating £5 to the charity for every shirt purchased.

Ryan Bromley, area volunteer manager for Cancer Research UK in Sussex said: “This is a great sporting partnership which will raise awareness of the disease and, crucially, funds to fight it. In cricketing terms, fans can help us knock the disease for six.”

The first Twenty20 match of the season will be against Essex on Thursday 28 May.

The most colourful match is likely to be the game against Middlesex on Monday 1 June when the visitors, who are supporting a breast cancer charity, will be wearing pink.

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