Oxley retains Sussex Academy spot

The 17-year-old left-arm chinaman, who made his second XI bow in 2016, is one of seven players to regain their place from last year’s intake.

The academy is a combined programme between the ECB and Sussex Cricket and looks to elevate players into the first-team.

Despite a similar look in the playing department, Sussex Academy will this season be led by director Carl Hopkinson, who takes over from previous director of cricket Keith Greenfield.

Oxley recently moved to Sussex League Premier Division team Horsham but had plied his trade with Worthing Cricket Club since the age of ten.

Worthing chairman Tim Dunn believes Oxley will be a big loss but wishes him all the best.

He said: “Nick was a great servant to the club and was outstanding at junior level.

“He’s been with us for several years but he contacted me last week to say he’d be moving to Horsham.

“It’s obviously a blow but with us no longer able to offer Premier Division cricket, I understand his decision.

“He did well with the academy last year and I hope he goes on to achieve great things in the game.”

Full academy intake: Joe Billings, Thomas Gordon (both St Bede’s School), Thomas Haines (Hurstpierpoint College), Nick Oxley (Worthing College), Nicholas Smith (Chichester High School), Benjamin Twine (Eastbourne College), Harrison Ward (St Edwards, Oxford).

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