Jack Carson

Jack Carson, a tall offspinner who grew up in Waringstown, Northern Ireland, was offered a trial at Sussex as a 12-year-old after his club captain - and former Ireland international - Kyle McCallan put in a call to Ed Joyce. Carson moved to England, whom he is qualified to represent, after completing his GCSEs and signed for the Sussex academy. He made his first-team debut during the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy and took a wicket with his second ball in first-class cricket - having Hampshire's Joe Weatherley caught behind.

Carson finished the competition as Sussex's leading wicket-taker, a feat he repeated the following summer as the County Championship returned. Alongside 37 wickets at 36.10, he showcased his batting ability with three half-centuries. Knee surgery meant he missed much of the 2022 season, but he received a maiden Lions call-up towards the end of the year before making his debut in Sri Lanka, taking nine wickets in two first-class matches in Galle.

The 2024 season saw Carson produce his best County Championship returns. He again topped the wickets list for Sussex, with 50 at 22.46, as the club secured promotion and the Division Two title. Particularly noteworthy was his performance against Derbyshire at Hove, where he fell narrowly short of a maiden hundred - bowled for 97 having a swing - and then went on to take an 11-wicket haul, including his best innings figures of 6 for 67. He also made his T20 debut during the summer, helping the club to reach Finals Day.
ESPNcricinfo staff