County Championship: Carson spins Sussex to win over Hampshire

Simpson’s third century of the season, in a 173-run stand with Fynn Hudson-Prentice, was the difference in the match, while Crocombe’s first appearance of the season was a huge success – four explosive wickets in the first innings were followed by a tidy 2-44 in the second.

For Hampshire, it was their first home defeat in the Championship since July 2023, with this only their fourth loss at Utilita Bowl since April 2019.

Although this fixture was the first between the two south coast counties in a decade, Sussex have still only lost once on this ground in 10 red ball outings – 20 years ago.

Hampshire have endured a rollercoaster trio of matches heading into the T20 Blast portion of the season.

A dismal performance against Nottinghamshire was followed by a sensational victory at Edgbaston, which reignited excitement of a potential title charge, only for a seven session mauling.

Their six batting bonus points in the first block is only better than bottom-side Worcestershire, with only Ben Brown of the regulars to average over 40. Only he and Nick Gubbins have recorded centuries.

They did not get a batting point in this match, and only took three points from a dire week.

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