He was having fresh surgery on Monday to determine the extent of injury to his right knee. Mushtaq suffered a new cartilage tear but has been told he will not know the full extent of the injury until the operation has been carried out.

Sussex had been told that there are two most likely scenarios. The worst case is that the tear is extensive and precariously placed: this would mean that Mushtaq would be out for the summer.

The second scenario is that the tear is a new but minor one, meaning that Mushtaq would be back in time for the LV County Championship game against Lancashire at Old Trafford on August 6.

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Sussex CCC are pleased to congratulate Guernsey who have been unanimously granted full associate membership to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the annual conference, in Dubai.

Two years ago an agreement was reached between the Guernsey Cricket Board and Sussex whereby the county would get involved in the running of the Guernsey ICC senior team and Guernsey youth cricket. The agreement was also reached to develop a Sussex-linked academy based on the island.

Sussex commit a lot of its coaching man power to the development of Guernsey cricket. The agreement means Guernsey has a player-path from grass roots cricket through to test cricket.

Keith Greenfield, Sussex cricket performance manager, said: "It's great news for Guernsey and Sussex Cricket. Our link with Guernsey has gone from strength to strength and it's a wonderful opportunity for the standards of their cricket to improve."

Gus Mackay, Sussex chief executive, said: "Congratulations to Guernsey, we are delighted that they have been granted the ICC membership. We have forged very strong links with Guernsey over the last two years and they are highly deserved of their new ICC status."

Guernsey will meet Kenya in a one-day friendly international at Hove and hosted by Sussex on Thursday, July 24 (11am). It will 50overs a side and entry to watch the game will be free of charge.

In late July, Kenya are scheduled to play a three-day match against Scotland, as part of the ICC's Continental Cup. So the two sides have agreed to play a fixture here at Hove.

Gus Mackay said: "This match is a symbol of the continually strong links that we have with Guernsey and an opportunity to forge stronger links with Kenyan cricket. To see a match like this free of charge is surely a must for all cricket lovers around the County."

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Dwayne Smith has signed a 2½-year contract to stay at the club. Smith, aged 25, signs as a Kolpak player and is seeking to qualify for England.

Professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "We are delighted to have Dwayne on board as he has fitted into the dressing room really well over the last couple of weeks.

"Dwayne is the type of cricketer you would pay to come and see as he hits a long ball and bowls well. He is also one of the best fielders in the world. I'm sure the Sussex public will have a lot of pleasure watching his exploits in the next couple of years."

Smith will primarily play one-day cricket this year but will play a bigger role next summer in both four-day cricket and the shorter versions of the game.

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SUSSEX have signed West Indian all rounder Dwayne Smith for the duration of the Twenty20 competition, which starts this week.

The 25-year-old has played in 10 tests and 71 one-day internationals and has just completed a successful stint in the Indian Premier League.

Professional cricket manager of the county, Mark Robinson, said: "Obviously, we are excited to have Dwain join us. We've had to move quickly on this following injury to Mushy and at a day's notice I feel very lucky to have gained such a high quality player.

"Dwain impressed in the World Cup last year playing for the West Indies and is also a team mate of Corey Collymore in Barbados so we've been able to gain a good inside knowledge of him. The fact that he bats, bowls and fields means he will, in theory, be a like-for-like replacement for Luke when he joins England."

The original Twenty20 Cup resumes for an historic sixth year with the two Finalists securing places in the inaugural Twenty20 Cup Champions League in autumn and a chance to win the $5 million prize money.

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Lancashire CCC is getting behind malignant melanoma research fundraisers, Factor50 to highlight the importance of skin protection.

Red Rose players have backed the website which gives advice on the best ways to cover up and stay safe in the sun during long matches. The website also raises vital funds for Christies Hospital.

Stuart Law, Lancashire County Cricket Club captain, explained: "We're proud to support the work that the Factor50 Fundraising Group is doing on behalf of the Christie Hospital.

"Being professional cricketers we're out in the sun for long periods of time during our season and we're very conscious that over exposure to the sun combined with poor skin protection can have a devastating affect on the skin. We wish Factor50 and the Christie Hospital every success with the campaign."

Gillian Nuttall, founder of the website Factor50 commented: "It's fantastic to having the backing of a local cricket club. Cricketers and others who play predominantly summer sports need to make sure they protect themselves from the sun and should wear a hat and apply sun block regularly. It's also important to look out regularly for changes on the skin, especially moles."

The Factor50 Fundraising Group was founded in 2007 after a close friend of the founder passed away after developing malignant melanoma. The group work closely with Christie Hospital and aim to raise funds for new treatment currently used in the USA. Factor50 hopes this new treatment can be developed and evaluated in the UK for the benefits of all patients with melanoma.

Factor50 holds various fundraising events that can be viewed at www.factor50.org.uk

There are more than 70,000 new cases of skin cancer a year in the UK. More than 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are diagnosed every year in the UK and over 2,000 will die from the disease.


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DEFENDING champions Sussex start searching for their second County Championship win on Friday against Durham at Hove

Professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson, said: "After the encouraging display of cricket at Trent Bridge we are of course hoping for another good one against Durham. They pushed us all the way last year in the Championship when they came second, so we are well aware that they are a strong side."

Sussex will be: CJ Adams*, RG Aga, Mushtaq Ahmed, CD Collymore, MW Goodwin, CD Hopkinson, RJ Kirtley, JD Lewry, RSC Martin – Jenkins, CD Nash, MJ Prior+, OP Rayner, LJ Wright, and MH Yardy.

There will be an array of England talent on display during the fixture, including key battles between two of the best young wicket keepers in the country; Matt Prior and Phil Mustard. Also, the two in-form England Lions, Luke Wright and Graham Onions go head to head with places up for grabs in the full England squad.

With over 450 international wickets between them, Sussex' Corey Collymore and Durham's Steve Harmison open the bowling in what promises to be a great game between two fantastic sides.

Forthcoming statistical landmarks

Murray Goodwin needs 123 runs for 10,000 First-Class runs for Sussex
Mushtaq Ahmed needs 1 more wicket for 1,400 Career First-Class Wickets
Luke Wright needs 1 more wicket for 50 Career First-Class Wickets

The four day LV County Championship match begins on Friday at 11am at the County Ground, Hove.

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LUKE WRIGHT has turned down an offer to play in the Indian Premier League - to concentrate on developing his international career.

Wright said: "Obviously I was very pleased to be considered for the IPL. However, at the moment my main focus and priority is playing for my country.

"If the timings were different and it wasn't going to affect my chances of playing for England then it would be something I would seriously have to consider.

"I am now very much looking forward to the match against New Zealand which is obviously a great chance for me to prove myself in the longer version of the game and hopefully push for a Test place."

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NEW West Indian signing Corey Collymore has been cleared by the ECB to fulfil his one year contract with Sussex.

Professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson: "I am delighted we have Corey for the summer. We will make a decision at lunchtime about whether he has recovered sufficiently from the flight in order to play against Surrey today, or whether it is better that he begins preparations for Sunday where he will be fresher."

Sussex take on Surrey today (Thursday) in a day-night floodlit game in the Friends Provident Trophy at Hove, with play starting at 2.40pm.

Here is the squad: CJ Adams*, RG Aga, CD Collymore, MW Goodwin, RJ Hamilton-Brown, AJ Hodd+, CD Hopkinson, RG Kirtley, JD Lewry, RSC Martin – Jenkins, CD Nash, OP Rayner, TMJ Smith, and MH Yardy.

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MATT PRIOR and Luke Wright have been named by the England selectors as part of the 12-man England Lions squad that will face New Zealand in a four-day match at The Rose Bowl starting on Thursday.

It is especially good news for both players. Prior explained: "It is always an honour to represent England and this is a great opportunity to keep pushing my case to get back in the full England squad and keep knocking on the door."

And Wright, for his part commented: "This is a great opportunity for me to be seen as a four-day player and not just a Twenty20 and one-day specialist. It is a chance to play with great players and against a top international side."

The squad contains eight players with Test or One-Day International experience. Play at the Rose Bowl starts at 11am.

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SUSSEX have replaced lost Aussie fast bowler Ryan Harris with a West Indian. He is Corey Collymore, he comes on a one-year contract and signs under the terms of a Kolpak registered player, which is subject to clearance from the ECB this week.

Collymore said: "The call from Sussex the other day was a very welcome one. I've been itching to come over and play county cricket and to be picked by the Champions has filled me with confidence. I'm ready to give it my all and can't wait to get started."

Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson, commented: "Obviously, with the departure of Ryan Harris, we have been keen to bring in a new bowler. With his international experience and excellent work ethic, Corey fits the bill perfectly."

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The ECB have confirmed the Australian tour dates for 2009 and Sussex will host Australia in a four-day game next year from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday 27.

Gus Mackay, Sussex chief executive, reacted: "We are excited: 2009 will be a massive year for cricket with the Ashes and the Twenty20 World Cup. And as one of the most successful County sides in recent times, we relish the prospect of taking on one of the best teams in the world. This will be a great commercial opportunity for the club and this fixture will be one of our many highlights in 2009."

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SUSSEX'S star spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has undergone keyhole knee surgery. He was admitted to hospital last Wednesday (April 30).

Mark Robinson, professional cricket manager, said: "We made the decision very quickly on the Wednesday morning. We were originally hoping that we would just play him in four-day cricket up to the Twenty20 window, where he'd then have the operation.

However, on reflection, we felt it wouldn't be right to compromise our strike bowler by having him playing in discomfort, so, with the amount of unsettled weather around and the fact our club surgeon said he could get him in that day, we felt it was the wisest decision to make.

It is a routine operation that many sportsmen have and we are hopeful that Mushy will be back between two and three weeks."

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THREE matches on the 2nd XI calendar will now take place at the County Ground, Hove.

This has been made possible due to the County Ground redevelopment being put on hold.

The matches which will now be played at Hove, are:
SET Sussex vs Surrey 2nd on 11 July, previously at Stirlands CC.
SEC Sussex vs Surrey 2nd from 6-8 August, previously at Stirlands CC.
SEC Sussex vs Somerset 2nd from 17-19 September, previously at Horsham CC.

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that these fixtures will now be played at Hove. Our 2nd XI cricket is extremely important to us and we are pleased to be able to bring these fixtures to the County Ground for the fans, and more importantly, the players."

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Please visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk for the full 2008 fixture list.

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SUSSEX will be back at Horsham with two more games this summer.

Following the huge success of the Horsham Cricket Festival last year and the victory over Durham in the County Championship, Sussex announce that they will return to the Horsham ground for Sussex v Somerset at 11am daily on Wednesday to Saturday, July 30 to August 2, and for a Pro40 game, Sussex v Worcestershire at 1pm on Sunday 3 August 3.

Having made possible the return of the Horsham Cricket Festival with their match sponsorship last year, EMCEL Filters are delighted to announce that they will again be match sponsors. The 2007 event was considered by the company to be a huge success due, in no small part, to the catering and hospitality arrangements laid on by the Sussex CCC in-house catering team.

Sussex Chief Executive, Gus Mackay said: "We sincerely look forward to returning to the Horsham ground in 2008, as SCCC continues to support local grounds and clubs around the county."

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Members of the LV County Championship winning team, sponsors, staff, Members, media and supporters packed into Hove Town Hall for the annual End of Season Player Awards Dinner.

The glittering event was hosted by Ralph Dellor and coach Mark Robinson, and supported by extensive and exclusive footage and interviews from Sussex TV. Speeches from Captain Chris Adams and club president Ted Dexter capped off the night, which honoured outstanding performances at Sussex throughout the 2007 season.

The gourmet menu was presented by the Sussex CCC in-house catering team, and an auction and raffle raised over £7,000 for the Sussex Young Cricketers Educational Trust. The event was sponsored by RDF, with media partner The Argus and other award sponsors all adding to the celebrations on the night.

The Academy Player of the Year Sponsored by Arabian Cricket
Winner: Ben Brown.

2nd XI Player of the Year- The Geoffrey Everitt Memorial Shield Sponsored by MKK Sports
Winner: The whole team on winning the Second XI LV County Championship.

Individual Woman Cricketer of the Year Sponsored by Park's Cameras
Winner: Alexia Walker.

1st XI Fielding Award-The Paul Parker Trophy Sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner: Chris Adams

The Agony and The Ecstasy Award Sponsored by Cheetahs Gym
Winner: All awaiting Lancs result last Saturday!

Most Improved Player-The Umer Rashid Memorial Trophy Sponsored by Baker Tilly
Winner: Luke Wright.

Woman Team Player of The Year Sponsored by Wholesome Food Service
Winner: Charlotte Burton.

The Argus Fans Award As voted for by readers of The Argus
Winner: Mushtaq Ahmed.

The Chairman's Award For Achievement Sponsored by Miller Bourne
Winner: Richard Montgomerie.

The Sussex TV Champagne Moment of The Year Sponsored by Newbery Bats
Winner: Matt Prior.

Team Man of The Year-The Frank Stonehouse Trophy Sponsored by Accelerated Mailing
Winner: Chris Pickett.

Most Outstanding Performance of The Year Sponsored by Clydesdale Bank
Winner: Murray Goodwin.

The 1st XI Team Player of The Year- The Dr David Rice Memorial Trophy Sponsored by RDF
Winner: Mushtaq Ahmed.

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YOU can now get married at the double winners home County Ground at Hove. Sussex CCC have been granted a licence to hold civil weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

The historic and atmospheric surroundings can accommodate ceremonies and receptions for up to 70 guests. The oldest county gound in England boasts light, airy and grand rooms overlooking the cricket pitch through floor to ceiling windows.

The venue can be decorated by the experienced events staff who can also help in the overall planning of the day. Talented chefs and the dedicated in house catering team will work with clients to create a bespoke wedding breakfast menu. Newly weds may also supply their own wine and Champagne (a corkage fee applies.)

The venue is truly unique and offers a convenient central location with plenty of parking as well as good public transport links. The County Ground is also in very close proximity to the seafront, a huge range of hotels as well as all the entertainment and leisure facilities the vibrant city has to offer.

To take a video tour of the rooms go to www.sussexcricket.co.uk

To make an appointment to view the venue please call Helen Hulme on 01273 827 143 or email caters@sussexcricket.co.uk

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SUSSEX are granting long-serving player Robin Martin-Jenkins a Benefit Year next season.

Robin said: "I am delighted to have been offered a Benefit Year. I feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Adams, Mark Robinson and other great players who have been granted the privilege.

"I played my first Sussex game for the U10s and it is great testament to the dedication of the club that its home-grown talent is able rise through the ranks as I have.

"Having played professionally for Sussex since leaving school and I can't imagine representing any another county. Over the last thirteen years, it has been hard graft at times but the team's success in the last few seasons has made all the hard work very rewarding and worthwhile.

"I look forward to being a part of the Sussex family in the years to come and hope I can help bring home more silverware to The County Ground."

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive of Sussex CCC said: "I don't think there is any doubt that Robin deserves a Benefit Year next season. He is as well respected and liked on the field as he is off the field and I am very confident that the Sussex cricket fraternity will support him wholeheartedly. "

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Sussex CCC has launched an online area where offers and discounts will be made exclusively available to the 4000 Club Members.

The Special Offers area will be available on www.sussexcricket.co.uk and launches with an inaugural flight discount offer from Sussex CCC sponsor, Emirates.

Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and since its inception in 1985, has won more than 300 international awards for excellence. Emirates serves over 90 destinations worldwide via Dubai. With such an extensive network, it's easy to combine Dubai with a host of other exotic destinations around the world for an unforgettable travel experience.

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive of Sussex CCC, said: "The Club is very happy to be launching this initiative which adds value to our relationship with Emirates, enabling them to interact with our Members directly. We are looking forward to expanding the online offers area to include other brands, goods and services from both a local and national brands. I am pleased the value of our loyal Membership is being recognised and that we are able to pass on this recognition to our members through exclusive deals and discounts. This is a 'win win' innovation for all."

Vic Sheppard, Vice President UK & Ireland Emirates, said; "As a sponsor of the highly successful Sussex County Cricket Club we are delighted to offer discounted airfares to the Club's Members. The synergy of the two prestigious brands working in this way seems a natural one and it will be very interesting to chart the response to the offer."

New offers will appear regularly on www. sussexcricket.co.uk. Please note Members must first register as an online user, creating an internet user name and password, to access these offers. This online registration takes only a couple of minutes.

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A NEW structure strategy for Sussex cricket with an acknowledgment to the Australian model is on its way to Sussex.

Sussex Cricket Board (SCB) and Sussex County Cricket Club (SCCC) are proposing to form closer links between club cricket and the first class game within the county, by setting up a new overall Board of Control.

Currently Sussex Cricket Board has responsibility for recreational (amateur) cricket throughout Sussex, with Sussex County Cricket Club running the professional side.

The proposed Board of Control (BoC) is thought to be the first of its kind in the country and could lead the way towards the Australian style of cricket management, which is fully integrated under a single Cricket Association in each state.

A key objective of the BoC is the creation of an all-embracing Strategy for Sussex Cricket, under the banner of "Cricket Sussex".

The BoC will undertake a series of detailed reviews of existing services and resources, with a view to ensuring improved efficiency, through shared activity and improved liaison. It will also carry out a full review of the funding of cricket in Sussex, including fund matching, bulk purchasing of equipment for clubs and insurance pooling.

The recommendation is made in a Consultation Document which will be issued to all cricket organisations in the county who will be invited to offer their feed back.

The document has been produced by the Building Partnerships in Sussex Cricket Group, which was set up at the end of 2006 by the SCB and the SCCC.

The Group's Chairman, David Bowden, states: "Our initiative in Sussex emanates from the England and Wales Cricket Board's Cricket's Strategic Plan for 2005 to 2009 - from Playground to Test Arena, which was issued by the ECB in 2005".

"The aim of the initiative has been to recommend a series of measures, which will lead to a greater degree of cohesion, coordination and integration amongst the various and numerous stakeholders in County, which will lead to fullest possible support to them all," he said.

Amongst the other recommendations is a proposal that a full review should be undertaken of the future pattern for league cricket in the County, with a cascading style of automatic promotion and relegation.

For further information, please contact David Bowden (Chairman of the Building Partnerships Group) at dbrb@lineone.net or on 01273 555561.

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