Sussex deal and debut show Sarro is no ordinary Joe

The Eastbourne prospect recently signed a rookie contract with Sussex – and went straight into the first XI for his county championship a week ago.

Unfazed by being asked to make his bow, the 19-year-old impressed in taking two for 71 against Northamptonshire – and will surely get more chances soon. Sarro is a former pupil of Bede’s School and is the latest off their conveyor belt of cricket talent picked up by Sussex.

Sarro, who plays club cricket for Mayfield, is on a month-long contract for now and follows fellow former Bede’s pupils Henry Crocombe and Ali Orr, who have both recently signed two-year deals with the county.

They all join Delray Rawlins to make up a quartet of Bede’s alumni on the Sussex men’s squad books.

Sarro said: “I first played for Sussex at under-11 and have been part of the pathway since then. I have loved being part of the teams, and have benefitted from some great coaching, both with Sussex, and at my school Bede’s, particularly from James Kirtley, Alan Wells, Neil Lenham, and Richard Halsall.

“When I signed my first contract, I was delighted. I hope to continue playing for Sussex for many years and become part of a very successful team.”

Alan Wells, director of cricket at Bede’s, adds, “We wish Mary, Millie and Joe every success and look forward to following their careers as they develop with great interest.”

Sarro, who studies business management at Loughborough University, made his Sussex second XI debut in 2019, taking five wickets against Hampshire in a 50-over match.

He came to cricket followers’ attention later that summer when a video of a hat-trick that clinched a one-run victory for Bede’s over Millfield in the National Schools Cup was featured on various websites.

Joint Sussex head coach James Kirtley said: “Joe is strong, skilful and a great student of the game and this month will allow him to gain an insight into professional cricket.”