Sussex one step away from return to Vitality Blast finals day

Sussex host Lancashire on Thursday afternoon aiming to reach their second Vitality Blast finals day in three years.
Calum MacLeod in Sharks action v Middlesex / Picture: GettyCalum MacLeod in Sharks action v Middlesex / Picture: Getty
Calum MacLeod in Sharks action v Middlesex / Picture: Getty

And driving the Sharks on is the chance to win a trophy to mark the end of head coach Jason Gillespie’s three-year stint at the club.

Gillespie’s time at Hove has brought significant T20 success. The Sharks reached Finals Day - where they lost to Worcestershire - in 2018 and were prevented from an Edgbaston return by a Moeen Ali masterclass in a Hove quarter-final last year.

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Finals Day is again within sight but they’ll have to be at their best to overcome Lightning this afternoon.

Newcomer Calum MacLeod says the Sussex team is one with numerous palyers who can get them out of difficult situations.

George Garton and Delray Rawlins were among the stars of the South group games.

MacLeod said: “That’s the exciting thing about this team.

“You’ve got four or five real quality bowlers and they’ve managed to step up at different points when needed and others have been away.

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“For me it was nice to get some runs and contribute as well (at the end of the group campaign).

“I said when I came down to Sussex – to get the opportunity to play for a white-ball team like this, with this sort of pedigree… it was one I was never going to turn down and I’m happy to have helped.

“To now have the opportunity to play in a quarter-final, it’s brilliant.”

Finals Day, sadly with no fans, takes place at Edgbaston on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.