Ben's here to stay

Cricket

SUSSEX'S young wicket-keeper/batsman Ben Brown has signed a one-year extension to his contract, which will see him remain at The PROBIZ County Ground until at least the end of the 2013 season.

Crawley-born Brown, who turned 23 last week, signed a two-year deal at the end of the 2010 season as he broke into the first team at Hove.

He played in 10 of Sussex's matches on their return to Division One of the LV>County Championship in 2011, nine Friends Life t20 games and eight Clydesdale Bank 40 matches.

He reached three figures against Yorkshire in the draw at Scarborough in August, while he smashed an unbeaten half-century from only 30 balls to lead the Sharks to victory over the same opponents in a televised CB40 encounter at Hove.

His runs in first-class cricket now total over 1,000 with four centuries to his name.

Brown said: "I'm really pleased to have signed an extension for another year with Sussex. This is where I have grown up playing my cricket and I want to continue here in the future. Hopefully, I can now look to cement my place in the first team from now on."

Sussex captain Michael Yardy added: "Ben has continued to establish himself as a first team player and we're delighted he has agreed to a one-year extension on his contract. This will give him further time to develop his game and work hard to produce excellent performances in seasons to come."

Sussex have been handed a mouth-watering start to the 2012 season in Division One, as they face a trip to newly promoted rivals Surrey, at the Kia Oval, to kick-start their new campaign.

The action will begin on Thursday, April 5, before they travel to Liverpool to take on reigning champions Lancashire.

Hove's opening fixture will see the hosts entertain 2011 runners-up Warwickshire from Thursday, April 26.

The Sharks' first Clydesdale Bank 40 fixture of the season will take place on Sunday, May 13, at Hove against the Unicorns, while Yorkshire Carnegie are the visitors 11 days later in a floodlit affair.

Sussex begin their Friends Life t20 campaign away to neighbours Kent Spitfires on Tuesday, June 12, at nearby Tunbridge Wells, before returning to Hove to take on Hampshire Royals two days later under the lights.

The highlights of Sussex's fixtures calendar are often the out-ground festivals, with the Horsham Festival scheduled earlier than usual. This year, it features a local derby with Surrey visiting Sussex for an championship clash beginning on Wednesday, June 6, with Derbyshire Falcons their opponents in the CB40 on Sunday, 10, at Cricket Field Road.

The Arundel Festival begins on Wednesday, July 18, when 2008 and 2009 champions Durham are the visitors in the championship, while Northamptonshire Steelbacks are the CB40 opponents.

Sussex's full fixture list is now available at www.sussexcricket.co.uk