English County Final

[pies4ever]

County Championship preview
History beckons for Sussex
Wisden CricInfo staff - September 16, 2003

Sussex v Leicestershire, Hove

Sussex need to take a mere six points from their final match of the season, against Leicestershire at Hove, to be certain of securing the Championship title for the first time in their history.

But, when 164 years of hurt are on the verge of being healed, nothing is ever as simple as it ought to be. Leicestershire, who were described as "shambolic" during an industrial tribunal last week, are already relegated and have nothing but pride to play for.

But, they somehow beat Kent by an innings in their last match, to record their first victory of the season. Sussex, at the same time, were being thrashed by an innings by their only remaining title rivals, Lancashire.

With James Kirtley ruled out with shin splints, much rests on Mushtaq Ahmed. After a rare barren match at Old Trafford, he needs a solitary scalp to become the first bowler to take 100 wickets in a season since Andrew Caddick in 1998. Sussex will hope he passes that mark with room to spare.

[Donny]

Mushy didn't waste too much time.

He has 3/49 so far. More on this game later.

[London Dave]

They need to score 300 inside 130 overs in the first innings to win the CC. At stups, 1/137, so its 163 to go! Goodwin was 70 odd no

[Donny]

[Donny]