Rippon snatches Sharks chance

By Bruce Talbot

Sussex may have unearthed a new star after Michael Rippon made a sensational debut in Friday’s Friends Life t20 demolition of Kent Spitfires.

A day after the 20-year-old chinaman bowler signed a contract until the end of the season following some impressive second-team displays, Rippon took 4 for 23 as the Sharks maintained their unbeaten record in the South Group with an 89-run victory.

Rippon came through the junior ranks with Western Province before breaking into their senior team last year. He has only played three first-class games but represented Cape Cobras in last year’s Champions League t20 and Sussex picked him up when he came to the county to play league cricket for Brighton & Hove.

Sussex coach Mark Robinson said: “All our senior batsmen have found him hard to read and when people like Mike Yardy and Matt Prior struggle to pick him you take notice. They kept telling me we needed to have a longer look so we will see how he develops.”

Rippon, who is English-qualified because he holds a Dutch passport, took 7 for 12 against Kent Second XI last month and was 12th man for a t20 game at Lord’s a fortnight ago before getting his chance on Friday. His victims included two former internationals – Geraint Jones and Brendan Nash.

Rippon said: “I had a few nerves beforehand as you always want to get off to a good start but I guess you could say it was a dream come true.

"I've been with Sussex for six weeks and have fitted in really nicely. I came on trial but then started being 12th man and finally got my chance. Luckily for me it came off but it is not about me, it is about the team. We want to get to Finals Day and qualify for the Champions League.”


Date: 30/06/2012 12:34:45 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Sussex |