Roffey and Sussex starlet Atkins: My delight at debut - and first wicket

Sussex pace bowler Jamie Atkins told of his pride at making his Sussex debut against Lancashire - and his delight at snaring captain Dane Vilas for his first wicket.
By Bruce Talbot
Published 1st May 2021, 08:19 BST
Updated 1st May 2021, 08:22 BST
Jamie Atkins is relishing his Sussex debut / Picture: GettyJamie Atkins is relishing his Sussex debut / Picture: Getty
Jamie Atkins is relishing his Sussex debut / Picture: Getty

The teenager, who went to Eastbourne College and plays for Roffey CC, was drafted into the Sussex side for this fourth championship game of the new season and removed Vilas for a duck for his maiden first-class scalp.

Atkins said: "I knew on Tuesday I was going to make my debut and it was just a case then of making sure that physically and mentally I was right.

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"It's a great environment to come into because everyone is so supportive and I have played in the Sussex pathway with guys like Henry Crocombe and Jack Carson.

"I don't think Henry or I expected to be opening the bowling for Sussex in a Championship game when we were in the under-13s together!

"I can't really put into words what it was like to get my first wicket, especially as it was such an important one as Dane Vilas, their captain. I was so chuffed as my celebrations probably showed."

Carson continued his impressive start to the season with four wickets as Sussex fought back strongly against Lancashire at Hove. The 20-year-old finished the second day with four for 50 from 28 overs as Lancashire reached 193 for six in reply to Sussex’s 328, having been 137 for one.

Related topics:Sussex