Sussex vs Surrey – County Championship Division One 2025 Preview

Venue: County Ground, Hove
Date & Time: Friday, April 18, 2025 | 11:00 GMT

The stage is set for an intriguing clash as Sussex and Surrey prepare to lock horns in the County Championship Division One on April 18 at the historic County Ground in Hove. With both teams eyeing a strong start to their campaigns, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest filled with skill, strategy, and drama.

Head-to-Head: A Tilt in Sussex’s Favor

Recent history suggests that Sussex has enjoyed the upper hand against Surrey in these encounters. In their last six meetings, Sussex has triumphed four times, including a dominant 6-wicket win in their most recent encounter. However, Surrey will be determined to end this trend and prove their worth in what is expected to be a closely contested match.

League Standings: Mid-Table Battles

Both teams currently sit comfortably in the middle of the Division One table, with Sussex holding a slight edge over Surrey in terms of points. This match presents an excellent opportunity for both sides to make significant strides toward improving their standings and solidifying their positions in the competition.

Sussex: Relying on Experience and Balance

Under the leadership of captain Daniel Brant, Sussex has shown signs of a well-rounded approach this season. Their batting lineup boasts experienced campaigners like Tom Westley and Ollie Pope, who have consistently delivered performances under pressure. Additionally, their bowling attack is spearheaded by the versatile all-rounder Max O’Neill, whose ability to swing the ball both ways could prove crucial in Hove’s conditions.

Sussex’s recent form has been mixed, with a win against Somerset followed by a draw against Warwickshire. However, their depth and experience give them the edge heading into this match.

Surrey: A Young Side Looking to Make an Impact

Surrey, led by Will Jacks, have been rebuilding in recent seasons, with a focus on nurturing young talent. Players like Joe Weatherley and Sam Curran continue to show promise, while the return of experienced campaigners like Rory Burns adds valuable leadership and expertise to their ranks.

Surrey’s recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a narrow loss to Hampshire in their last outing. They will need to dig deep to match Sussex’s composure and experience if they are to secure a victory.

Key Battles to Watch

• Batters vs. Bowlers: Tom Westley (Sussex) vs. Sam Curran (Surrey). Can Westley dominate with his patient approach, or will Curran’s fiery bowling disrupt the Sussex batting line-up?
• Wicket-Takers: Max O’Neill (Sussex) vs. Joe Weatherley (Surrey). Both players have the ability to swing the game in their team’s favor. Who will emerge as the key influence?

Prediction: A Narrow Sussex Victory

Given Sussex’s superior experience and their recent dominance over Surrey, we predict that they will edge this match by a narrow margin. However, Surrey’s young guns could spring a surprise if they manage to capitalise on early opportunities.

The stage is set for an exciting encounter. Will Sussex continue their recent ascendancy, or will Surrey finally break the trend and secure a much-needed win?

Final Prediction: Sussex by 6 wickets