Sussex have found themselves at the epicentre of cricket transfers this summer.
As August approaches, nothing has changed, although the club’s improving situation means there may be some incomings as well as outgoings by the time the season is done.
The i Paper understands Sussex are targeting at least two signings after confirming Matt Walker as their new head coach this week.
Among those linked with a move to Hove is Middlesex fast bowler Blake Cullen.
The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career at Lord’s, but is understood to be a target for Sussex.
More exits on the way
John Simpson joined Sussex on a four-year contract in October 2023 (Photo: Getty)
A couple of Sussex players who look to be heading elsewhere are John Simpson and Tom Alsop.
The former is set to join Nottinghamshire as a replacement wicketkeeper for Kyle Verreynne.
Alsop, meanwhile, could be heading west to Gloucestershire, having originally signed from Sussex from Hampshire in the summer of 2022.
The 30-year-old is currently representing Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred, where he struck 31 off 18 balls in Tuesday’s tournament opener against MI London at The Oval.
The old switcheroo
Hampshire opener Ali Orr is another player who could be switching counties.
The left-hander is understood to be closing in on a move to Middlesex after struggling for regular opportunities at the Utilita Bowl this season.
The 25-year-old, who joined Hampshire from Sussex ahead of the 2024 season, is expected to play a leading role in the club’s One-Day Cup campaign despite spending much of the Championship and T20 Blast seasons on the fringes.
After falling narrowly short against Northamptonshire on Finals Day, Hampshire are understood to be keen to secure captain James Vince on a new contract.
Vince scored 511 runs during this season’s Blast, including a match-winning 125 in Hampshire’s quarter-final victory over Essex. He is currently playing for MI London in The Hundred.
Player anger mounts
Jacob Bethell has pulled out of The Hundred due to injury (Photo: Getty)
His involvement comes against a backdrop of growing frustration among county players over selection for the competition.
It is understood that an increasing number of cricketers are unhappy that several franchises continue to recruit heavily from outside their host counties rather than building squads around local players.
Manny Lumsden is Hampshire’s only player in the Southern Brave squad this summer, while Warwickshire’s Jordan Thompson is Birmingham Phoenix’s sole representative following Jacob Bethell’s withdrawal.
Tying up loose ends
Another Warwickshire player attracting attention despite missing this year’s tournament is George Garton.
The left-arm seamer, who made his lone England T20 international appearance against the West Indies in January 2022, has been sidelined from bowling this season with a stress fracture.
Playing solely as a batter in the One-Day Cup, the 29-year-old struck 117 from 101 balls against Nottinghamshire on Thursday.
Garton is expected to sign a new contract with Warwickshire.
The county also is set to retain former England Under-19 all-rounder Theo Wylie, who scored 65 in the Bears’ opening One-Day Cup match against Northamptonshire.
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