Stephen Thorpe: Moores looks up to a better life at the top (18 September 1997)

Thursday 18 September 1997

Moores looks up to a better life at the top

Stephen Thorpe plumbs depths at Sussex as they battle to avoid ignominious last-place double

NEIL LENHAM`S recent enforced retirement just about put the tin hat on Sussex`s season, arguably the most traumatic in their 158-year history. Despite glimmers of hope in the seven-wicket reverse at Southampton last week, the previous defeat by Surrey, by an innings and 101 runs, hard on a big defeat at Scarborough, again emphasised numerous shortcomings - but Peter Moores, the captain, is not one to shrink from adversity.

If the final championship matches have been a proving ground for a younger brigade as the club seek wholesale renewal after a year of turmoil, futures are now at stake. "We are playing for survival, not just to win," said Moores prior to today`s last match against Nottinghamshire, at Hove, "and we need to forge a new direction at a vital time."

Sussex have endured an unstructured clear-out, with a clutch of pre-season departures allied to management revolution and a widescale loss of form leaving them rock bottom in the championship - 10 points adrift of Deryshire - and of the Sunday League.

"If seven players perform then a team can succeed, but too often collectively we have under-achieved," said Moores. Robin Marlar, the chairman, is more succinct. "Our cricket has been simply awful and it`s a great paradox because the youth and club game in the county is thriving. Somehow we are not making the transition."

Sussex want three batsmen, and have signed Wasim Khan, the Warwickshire left-hander, on a two-year contract, but despite rumours, Jason Gallian has not been approached. Bill Athey simultaneously threw in the towel and refused the role of secondteam coach, opting instead for a higher profile at Worcestershire. Desmond Haynes, the erstwhile firstteam coach, left by mutual consent. The players hung on every word of the former West Indian opener`s technical advice, especially when he lectured on attacking the off-spinner, but he was sometimes lax on organisation, essential for young players, and communication.

Rajesh Rao, virtually runless since his man-of-thematch effort in the NatWest quarter-final, James Kirtley, who spent a spell in the second XI, and the Newell brothers have all shown promise. Yet Keith Greenfield has had a terrible time in the championship, and the left-arm seamer, Jason Lewry, has had screws inserted for a back problem. Alex Edwards and Amer Khan, the leg-spinner, were flayed by Adam Hollioake and company, a debut match which Jamie Carpenter will not forget in a hurry. A Vauxhall Conference footballer and left-handed batsman, he did enough, and confirmed the initial good impression against Hampshire. Mark Robinson has stayed merry amid the mayhem as the leading wicket-taker.

Lenham`s demise after six weeks` rest was hastened by a specialist`s report on a long-term foot problem which hinted at arthritis. A sad finale for `Pin`, who made 10,000 runs and 18 centuries in a career constantly blighted by injury. Moores` own batting has suffered - though not his morale - with just two championship fifties all summer, but a well-earned benefit next year may rekindle the flame.

Vasbert Drakes, the overseas man, has acknowledged he will not return and Shane Warne has been offered the captaincy in a package that would ideally attract increased sponsorship and business input. His decision is expected in a week. A marketing strategy is underway, orchestrated by a revamped committee.

Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire have also tabled offers and, if Warne fails to wash up at Hove, the disgruntled Michael Bevan might fit the bill. Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan batsman, is apparently in the frame and Shaun Young is available after Gloucestershire plumped for Courtney Walsh. Certainly, the next four days will help define the future. Moores, no doubt, will be stoic to the end.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)