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Jack Leaning walks off after scoring a match-winning fifty against Essex Eva Gilbert / Sussex CCC

"It's a pretty good comp and everyone wants to win it" - Jack Leaning defends the One Day Cup after his return to form

After a lean spell, Leaning anchored Sussex Sharks' successful chase against Essex. Now he hopes to kick on in the remaining weeks of the season.

31.07.26, 07:00 Updated 30.07.26, 19:59 3 Minute Read

Paul Weaver

Paul Weaver

Jack Leaning wore a weary smile when I spoke to him in the aftermath of his matchwinning and undefeated 59 against Essex at Arundel on Wednesday.

The smile reflected his joy at piloting Sussex Sharks to their first win in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at the fourth attempt; his weariness was down to the pain he was still suffering after falling on Arundel’s bone-hard outfield, only to be struck on the same left side again when he batted.

It’s been a difficult season for Leaning, 32, who was signed by director of cricket Paul Farbrace as a classy and experienced middle-order batter across all formats.

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Paul Weaver

Paul Weaver Editor

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