Simpson's sixes spree gives Sussex Blast-off
22.05.26, 22:06 Updated 22.05.26, 22:13 2 Minute Read
Bruce Talbot
Sussex Sharks didn’t successfully chase a target of more than 185 in last year’s Vitality Blast but a new season means a new start and at Chelmsford on Friday they were soon into their stride.
They had four overs to spare when they reached their target of 192 against Essex with four wickets down and had wiped out the two-point penalty they started the competition with straight away, as well as giving their net run rate a handy early boost.
In a slightly shortened competition, with two fewer games, momentum is important and there was no lack of that from the Sharks’ top order.
Daniel Hughes (44 off 25) set the tone, but the innings of the night was played by John Simpson, who last season batted at No3, 5 or 6 but never at 4. He might take some shifting now after smashing 63 off 23 balls, including eight sixes. It was a tremendous display of ball striking by Simpson, who is not someone renowned for clearing the ropes. Last season he hit 12 sixes in 14 games.
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