Sussex names Ben Brown and Ross Taylor as new captains for County Championships and T20 series

Sussex has roped in Ben Brown as their new captain for the County Championship after the resignation of Luke Wright as captain earlier this month. The vice-captain of Sussex, Ben is excited on donning a new hat having had an experience earlier in captaining the county. Sussex have also announced the captain for its T20 side. New Zealander Ross Taylor will lead the team in the upcoming Natwest T20 Blast.

Wright had a torrid time with the bat for a long time. He averaged just 23 in the Championship during his fag end of his captaincy career. Captaincy got into his nerves and thus affected his batting and enthusiasm for the game. Teammate Chris Nash took the captaincy baton from him for a short time and got rich dividends in that stint registering victories against Worcestershire and Leicestershire.

It catapulted Sussex to the fifth spot in Division Two ranks. Ben came into the picture late having suffered a fracture in his finger. He had been rested to recover and has not played for Sussex for a long time. Now, recovered and fresh, the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is geared up for the challenge waiting for him.

Ben on his new role

”For someone who has been associated with Sussex for so long being appointed as captain is a very proud moment for me. I enjoyed the challenge of captaining the side last season but I feel in the last 12 months that the team has grown with a good core of senior players. Of course I have my own ideas about how I want to lead the side but I know there are some very solid cricketers in our dressing room who can give me support and advice if I needed it,” said Ben.

Coach’s words on Ben

Head Coach Mark Davis has put his faith on Ben. He talked about how the keeper was a quick learner when it comes to leading the side and that the former vice-captain will have a successful season.”As our vice-captain, we’re delighted Ben has agreed to take over as skipper. He learnt a lot last season when he led the side when Luke Wright was injured and he will be a better captain for that experience. He will do the job for the rest of the season when the cricket management team will review the situation,” Davis said.

Ross Taylor wants to make a mark this season

Coming to the T20 competition, Taylor will take over the reins of Sussex. The former Kiwi skipper who will lead his team on July 9 against Glamorgan at Arundel, had pocketed more than of 400 runs last season. Sadly his team didn’t make the cut for the knockout stages. But Taylor is done away with his past demons and jubilant for the new season.

“I am very proud to be appointed captain of the Sharks for this season’s competition. I know the club and players well from my time at The First Central County Ground, Hove in 2016 and I am looking forward to joining up the boys again. I believe we have a very exciting squad for this format and one that can challenge any team in the competition,” the New Zealander said.