In a pivotal match that could determine Sussex’s promotion to the first division of the Vitality County Championship, Indian left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat delivered a standout performance. His impressive figures of 4 for 52 in the first innings spearheaded Sussex’s efforts to bowl out Glamorgan for just 186 runs on the opening day at Hove.
Unadkat’s display was not only critical in dismantling Glamorgan’s batting lineup but also set the tone for what could be Sussex’s seventh victory of the season. Sussex’s decision to bowl first on a gloomy autumn morning proved strategic. The overcast conditions favored their seam attack, and Unadkat wasted no time making an impact.
JAYDEV ON TARGET! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ZXVhqGg3CV
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) September 9, 2024
With just his third delivery, he dismissed Asa Tribe, sending a clear message that Glamorgan’s batters were in for a tough day. The seasoned pacer didn’t stop there; he soon uprooted Sam Northeast’s middle stump, claiming another crucial wicket. His early strikes ensured that Sussex maintained control over the game from the outset.
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While Unadkat was the star of the show, his fellow seamers played a vital supporting role. Henry Crocombe and Tom Clark took key wickets, keeping the pressure on Glamorgan’s batsmen. England pacer Ollie Robinson, though wicketless, delivered a tight nine-over opening spell that further stifled the opposition.
Despite Glamorgan’s struggles, Kiran Carlson offered some resistance with a gritty 56, but his efforts were largely unsupported by the rest of the lineup. Dan Douthwaite’s late contribution of 41 provided brief hope, but Unadkat’s return to the attack extinguished any chance of a Glamorgan revival. He wrapped up the innings by swiftly dismissing Andy Gorvin for a four-ball duck, reinforcing his dominance.
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Sussex’s openers, Tom Haines and Daniel Hughes, then consolidated their team’s position with a strong 110-run partnership. Hughes, who was awarded his county cap during the lunch break alongside James Coles, remained unbeaten on 57 at stumps. This commanding start left Sussex just 65 runs behind with nine wickets in hand, putting them firmly in control as they eye promotion.
