Claydon comes into Sussex Sharks squad for crucial match against Middlesex

Mitch Claydon comes into the Sussex Sharks squad for Friday’s crucial Vitality Blast match against Middlesex.

After defeats against Essex Eagles and Surrey, Luke Wright’s side will hope to secure a victory which would give them a great chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Tymal Mills, who missed Wednesday's clash at The Kia Oval, remains unavailable with a sore back which continues to be assessed, while the Sharks are without Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer due to their involvement in the IPL.

Sharks squad to face Middlesex:

Luke Wright (C)

Will Beer

Ravi Bopara

Danny Briggs

Ben Brown 

Jack Carson

Mitch Claydon

George Garton

Calum MacLeod

Stuart Meaker

Delray Rawlins

Ollie Robinson

Phil Salt

Aaron Thomason

David Wiese

After the defeat against Surrey, Jason Gillespie said: "We scrapped our way to 165 which we thought would be a decent score if we bowled well, but between overs 7-10 Surrey got in front of us and they could stay in control without having to take too many gambles. 

"We had one or two chances which we needed to take and were probably 10-15 runs short but it's gone and we have to pick ourselves up for what is a big game now against a really good Middlesex side on Friday."

The opposition

Middlesex have endured an inconsistent Vitality Blast campaign, but beat Kent Spitfires in a thrilling match at Canterbury on Wednesday to give themselves hope of reaching the quarter-finals.

Joe Cracknell’s rapid fifty off just 22 balls put his side in a strong position, and his impressive innings was backed up by Tom Helm and Tim Murtagh with the ball, with the duo taking two wickets each as Middlesex won by two runs.

Stevie Eskinazi’s side began the tournament in frustrating fashion, with their opening fixture against Essex Eagles abandoned due to rain and their second tied against the Spitfires.

Sussex Sharks then beat Middlesex in their third match after David Wiese’s heroic 79 not out, but the Lord’s-based side finally got up and running with a win when they beat Essex by 11 runs.

Two defeats to Surrey either side of a 19-run win over Hampshire followed, and they now find themselves fourth in the South Group.

Eskinazi is Middlesex’s leading run-scorer, and the leading run-scorer in the whole competition, with 376 to his name and an average of exactly 47, while with the ball, Steven Finn leads the way with 13 wickets.

Follow the action LIVE

The match gets underway at 2pm at The 1st Central County Ground, and despite the match being played behind-closed-doors, fans will be able to enjoy every ball live.

From 1pm, a live stream will be up and running via our new and improved Match Day Centre, with our interactive scorecard and in-play highlights also available, and the stream synchronised with BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio London commentary.

Alternatively, fans can listen to the match online via the BBC Sport website, and follow the action by following @SussexCCC on social media.

Hit For Six Competition

In partnership with 1st Central, we’re giving away prizes to three lucky Sharks fans after every match in this year’s Vitality Blast!. Simply tell us how many sixes you think the Sharks will score and you could win one of three £50 Sussex Cricket gift vouchers! 

Submit your answer here or below by 2pm on Friday 18 September - and don't forget to share with your friends.

Good luck and enjoy the game LIVE on the Sussex Cricket website.

Support the Sharks from home

We know this season is a little bit different, but we don’t want that to stop you from feeling involved, so we have put together our own T20 Vitality Blast ‘Support from Home’ Pack! 

The packs includes 'four' and 'six' cards, decorations for your home, foam fingers, hair headbands, exclusive discount offers from our partners, Ridgeview Wine, Piglets Pantry and Harvey's and lots more. 

You can also win tickets to next season's Vitality Blast!