Sussex Players Selected for England and Lions Squads

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace said realigning England selection with performances in county cricket will highlight talent from clubs outside the Hundred competition. The England management held talks with domestic cricket officials before the new season to improve relations between the two levels.

Since those discussions, Sussex captain Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the Test squad, and teammate Henry Crocombe has been named in the England Lions squad.

Robinson, whose last England appearance was against India in February 2024, earned a call-up for next month's first Test against New Zealand after taking 17 wickets in the first five County Championship matches. Three uncapped players from other counties also received Test squad spots: Durham opener Emilio Gay, Somerset batter James Rew, and Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker.

The selections mark the first involving new national selector Marcus North.

"That is the crux of county cricket," Farbrace said. " Farbrace added that he is pleased to see more conversations between county coaches and the national setup. He said Sussex has produced several strong players in recent years and expressed hope that additional team members would also be considered for England.

Crocombe, a 24-year-old seamer, has taken 19 wickets this season and will play for the Lions against South Africa A later this month.