Bradman Foundation XI | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

The Sussex Martlets had a brilliant day at Arundel on the 7^th of July against the Bradman Foundation, a touring side from down under, as you can imagine a highly competitive event with the Ashes beginning the day after. The weather cleared up beautifully with another idyllic day at Arundel awaiting all involved. The Bradman foundation won the toss and chose to bat, on what was a very flat deck with plenty of runs imminent.

For the Martlets this was fortunately not the case with Luke Cummins and Ross White bowling brilliantly with the new ball often important at Arundel, reducing the visitors to 26-4 in quick time. It was then to Joe White and the part time seam of the skipper Marcus Campopiano. Some watchful batting from Tim Dunn and Cameron Wheatley guided the Bradman foundation to 115-6 before Cuckfield’s overseas, Roston Chase got Tim Dunn well caught behind by Jojo Gilligan. The Bradman XI came out after lunch and batted very patiently picking off bad balls when they came, special mentions to the spin of Roston Chase and Ed Blake who bowled well without much luck on a non-turning track. It was eventually the re-introduction of seam from Luke Cummins who managed to get Cameron Wheatley caught at cover after accumulating a well-paced 76, the best batsman on the day for the Bradman XI. Luke Cummins the pick of the bowlers for the Martlets ending with 6 wickets, a terrific achievement at Arundel, where bowlers frequently come off second best.

The target set for the Martlets was 227, and it then became the Joe Ludlow show… Joe took the new ball away to all parts reaching his 50 off a staggering 24 balls, well accompanied by Jojo Gilligan who fell for 31 just after tea. Joe then reached his 100 off 45 balls and as of yet we believe we have not seen a faster 100 in the Martlets – an astonishing effort! Joe finally fell for 128 and it was up to the batting of Tom Cummins and Tom Fairfax to guide the Martlets to victory with over fifteen overs in hand.

A huge thank you to everyone making themselves available from both sides and to all others involved in the making of a fantastic day!