• Operating Income : up 7% to £5.202m, (2010: £4.863m)

• Operating Surplus (after interest, before legacies, depreciation and exceptional items): £0.012m, (2010 : deficit of £0.014m)

• Accounting Deficit for the Financial Year: £0.124m (2010: £0.171m)

Speaking today, Dave Brooks, Chief Executive of Sussex CCC said: “The year to October 2011 has seen steady progress for the Club and also continued change. With the £8m ground development program coming to a conclusion, the Club now has an excellent facility available all year round for both cricket and non-cricket events. The management team look forward to developing the Club on and off the field to ensure a sustainable future for cricket in the County at all levels. We are proud of our achievements over the last 3 seasons and remain determined to be one of the leading counties in all aspects of our business.”

Sussex CCC Treasurer, Simon Crundwell, continued: “In interpreting the Club’s financial performance it is important to note that the final deficit is struck after depreciation of £403k, which has increased materially from £233k in 2010, as a result of the ground redevelopment. This reflects a prudent approach by the board to write off the value of our building over periods up to a maximum 50 years as opposed to some clubs who write their building assets over periods in excess of 100 years.

“In addition, we have chosen to show the £300k ECB income offered in recognition of the ground standards delivered by the Club as an exceptional item given this is a non-recurring sum. This offers our members a good understanding of the underlying trading position of the Club and shows the sustainable foundation we have created to build upon.”

Summing up, Sussex CCC Chairman, Jim May, added : “We are pleased by the continuing progress on our trading position. This is especially notable as we received very little interest income compared with three years ago due to falling interest rates. Our timing in investing the vast bulk of the Spen Cama legacy in ground improvements has been fortunate. Whilst 2012 may be challenging economically, we look forward to the season with optimism at our lovely redeveloped ground as I believe that under Dave Brooks, Mark Robinson, and Michael Yardy’s leadership, we are well placed with a settled team on and off the field which has the capability to deliver continued growth and success for the Club.

“2012 has started positively with continued growth in our sponsorship base. We will continue to invest in cricket at all levels of the game as we recognise the importance of a healthy recreational sport in the county, allied to a strong community presence, in assisting our professional cricketers to compete on all fronts in a busy domestic campaign. With excellent execution and a fair wind, there is good reason to believe we can continue to challenge as leaders in the sport in all aspects of the business and game of cricket.”

The loyal support of members and sponsors, a Friends Life t20 attendance increase of 33% and a thriving Conference & Banqueting operation have contributed to this remarkable financial success.

Despite heavily investing in the ground during the last two years including the recent additions of a permanent marquee, a 1,800 seater stand and the turning of the playing square through 90 degrees, Derbyshire County Cricket Club has no debt and is in a healthy financial position following five profits in six years.

Chief Executive Keith Loring said: “Such an impressive financial turnaround is testament to the hard work of our off-the-field team and to the support of our sponsors, members and supporters.

“After losing money for the first time in five years in 2010, everybody at the Club was on a mission to turn it around in 2011 and happily their efforts have been rewarded.

“In many ways a small profit of around £20,000 is the perfect result for the Club because it demonstrates that we have maximised our spending on the team whilst running a profitable business.

“We will continue to strive for additional revenue from all sources to fuel investment in the playing side with the ultimate objective of success on the field.”

Chairman Chris Grant said: “It’s great to get back into a surplus, particularly as it represents a £200,000 turnaround from the previous year. “Keith and the entire off field team should be commended on how hard they have worked to achieve this excellent result.

“The task moving forward is to stay in the black in 2012. The economic climate is challenging but – with the continued help of our sponsors, members and supporters – we are confident of another successful financial year.”

Charlotte Edwards and Laura Marsh opened England’s innings with a quick fire 31 before Edwards was caught in the fifth over. Marsh followed two balls later as she hit towards square leg and was caught by wicketkeeper Meg Kendal.

Just as Jenny Gunn (16) got into her stride the vice-captain was unlucky for the ball not to carry over the ropes and was caught in the deep, leaving England on 74 for four.

But it was Lydia Greenway who impressed top scoring, hitting four boundaries and sharing a 34-run partnership off 23 balls with Tamsin Beaumont. The Kent partnership was broken as Beaumont was run out on the last ball of the eighteenth over and Greenway was caught four balls later.

Heather Knight added a quick fire 12 off the eight balls she faced and partnered Georgia Elwiss for the last three balls as England finished on 140 for eight from their 20 overs.

Another disciplined performance from England’s bowlers ensured the hosts were restricted to 86 for five with Marsh allowing just eight runs from her four overs.

Gunn (2-23) and Danielle Wyatt (1-16) shared the wickets and England’s authority in the field accounted for the run-outs of Janet Brehaut and Anna Peterson.

Lydia Greenway said: “It was another solid performance from us today, we got the runs on the board, stayed disciplined with the ball and took our opportunities in the field.

“With us coming out here from our off season it’s been really good to get out in the middle and get use to the conditions. It was really satisfying to get some runs under my belt today before we head into the series.

“We’ve had three good warm up games out here in Lincoln and we are all now ready for the Twenty20 series. Although we have played New Zealand many times we won’t be taking anything for granted as they are a strong Twenty20 side so we’re all looking forward to an exciting series.”

England women kick off their T20 series against the White Ferns in Wellington on Friday.

He also boasts an exceptional pedigree in domestic Twenty20 cricket played all around the world having amassed 75 appearances in total with Sialkot Stallions, Sussex Sharks, Yorkshire Carnegie, Tasmania Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes.

Naved, who is renowned as a specialist death bowler, has a century of Twenty20 dismissals already to his name at an average of 18.93 and a mean economy rate of seven runs-per-over. He has also shown dashing capabilities with the bat with a highest Twenty20 score of 94 and five first-class centuries to his name.

Naved’s career with Pakistan saw him take 110 wickets in 74 one-day internationals between 2003 and 2010 and a career-best of 6 for 27 versus India in 2005. A County Championship winner with Sussex in 2006 and 2007, Naved is no stranger to the county game having also represented Yorkshire in 2008 and 2009.

Naved has been in KFC Twenty20 Big Bash action in Australia for Hobart Hurricanes recently topping the tournament wicket-takers with 15 dismissals in eight matches and gaining cult status with the nickname ‘The People’s Mullet.’

Head Coach Karl Krikken said: “We are delighted to secure the services of Rana who is a world-class bowler with vast experience and immense quality, as well as possessing tremendous striking ability with the bat. “We wanted our second overseas player for the Friends Life t20 competition to be a game-changer and a match-winner.

“Rana’s performances throughout his career and in particular during the recent KFC Twenty20 Big Bash demonstrate that we have ticked those boxes with this signing. “Our talented, young bowling contingent will also benefit immensely from the experience and know-how Rana will bring to the team, particularly with regards the tricks of the trade when it comes to bowling at the death.”

Chairman Chris Grant added: “To beat the attention of opposition counties to the signature of a standout overseas player in Rana Naved is a massive coup for the club.

“Rana has proved to be a charismatic character and an inspirational performer in Twenty20 cricket around the world, as well as boasting exceptional pedigree at one-day international level with Pakistan.

“Not only do I expect him to help us win matches, he is also a very entertaining player to watch. His skills and larger than life personality have added an extra dimension to Twenty20 nights in Hobart of late and I’m sure that will be replicated at the County Ground this summer.”

Naved will also be available for selection in Clydesdale Bank 40 and LV = County Championship cricket in the event of Usman Khawaja receiving an Australia A call-up in July.

Alastair Cook and Steven Finn starred as England claimed victory over Pakistan in the first ODI in Abu Dhabi . Cook struck 137 to guide England to 260-7 from their 50 overs before Finn blew away the Pakistani top order taking 4-34.

Ravi Bopara played his part in a key partnership of 113 with Cook before Saeed Ajmal (5-43) put the brakes on England ’s progress. In addition to Finn’s fine spell spinners Samit Patel (3-26) and Graeme Swann (2-19) made light work of the lower order to seal a solid victory.

With Kevin Pietersen elevated to open the innings it was expected that he would be the one to make the most of the powerplay yet it was Alastair Cook who was the early aggressor. While Pietersen was forced to settle for singles his opening partner kept it ticking nicely whilst finding the boundary confidently on the front foot.

There were escapes for both Pietersen and Cook who made the most of the decision referral system before taking their opening partnership past fifty inside the first ten overs. However this platform came unstuck with the introduction of Shahid Afridi. Pietersen was undone by a sharp leg spinner before a textbook googly wasn’t picked by Jonathan Trott.

The Essex pair of Cook and Ravi Bopara got the innings back on track though, Bopara playing patiently in his opening exchanges under serious pressure from Afridi.

Cook continued at a run a ball pace passing fifty with a slog sweep over midwicket whilst Bopara began to find his feet playing Saeed Ajmal with a confidence not seen by any of England ’s batsman in the test series.

The pair’s partnership passed a hundred as both players moved in on their individual milestones with Bopara securing his fifty first. Yet straight after doing so he departed, stumped off Ajmal for 50.

Eoin Morgan and Craig Kieswetter came and went in quick succession as the innings began to stutter but for the single handed heroics of their skipper as he moved well past his century.

Ajmal struck twice in his last over removing Stuart Broad and centurion Cook (132) before some late hitting from Samit Patel and Graeme Swann saw England close on 260.

After falling short of the target they would have hoped for England made the perfect start in defending their total.

Steven Finn trapped both Mohammed Hafeez and Asad Shafiq lbw before forcing Younis Khan to inside edge through to Kieswetter and soon after Imran Farhat was also caught behind. This superb spell of fast bowling left Pakistan reeling at 40-4 and England turned the screw further as Misbah Ul-Haq misjudged a Patel delivery and Shoaib Malik chipped tamely to Pietersen at mid on.

Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi briefly steadied the ship but Akmal was undone by Swann for 22 playing for the spin, however the arm ball went past his edge before Kieswetter whipped off the bails.

Afridi slipped into top gear playing a shot a ball and was given a life line when Patel put him down on the boundary. Yet he couldn’t make England play for the missed opportunity, coincidently it was Swann who took the catch off the bowling of Patel to end the all rounder’s fireworks.

Swann then trapped Umar Gul and Stuart Broad claimed the wicket of Saeed Ajmal to wrap up a well earned 130-run victory.

Arran Brindle got the wickets falling as Anna Peterson hit to Laura Marsh at deep square in the third over. Spinners Marsh and Danielle Hazell then dominated with two wickets a piece to leave the hosts on 41 for five after 12 overs. Kate Broadmore and Victoria Abbot bolstered the score putting on a 39-run partnership before Broadmore hit straight down Lydia Greenway’s throat at deep mid-wicket.

Tamsin Beaumont and Marsh then proceeded to attack the target with a quick-fire 15 and nine respectively before Marsh was caught hitting over extra cover. After striking 15 from 15 balls Beaumont was caught wide of mid-off, but England were comfortable on 34 for two.

Sarah Taylor then knocked off the runs with Greenway. Taylor hit the boundary seven times amassing 43 runs from 24 balls as England cruised to an eight wicket victory with 44 balls to spare.

Sarah Taylor said: “It was another solid team performance out there today, everyone switched into the Twenty20 format well. “The bowlers bowled well and there was a good energy in the field which set things up well for us. “Personally I was really pleased to score runs and enjoyed batting with Lydia.

“We’ll be looking to take this momentum into tomorrow’s final warm-up game before we head up to Wellington for the first game of the series on Friday.”

England will play New Zealand emerging players in a final warm up T20 tomorrow.

The former Glamorgan captain has played 10 Test matches for South Africa and has become Essex’s third signing for the 2012 season and joins compatriots, Charl Willoughby and Greg Smith.

Essex Head Coach, Paul Grayson said, “It is very exciting that we can bring in Alviro to the club as he is an experienced county cricketer. Obviously he has played against us many times before and he hit a good 100 for Glamorgan when we went to the SWALEC Stadium last season. He will certainly bring his vast knowledge, experience and leadership in the game to the squad.

“We are all very happy to be able to add someone of Petersen’s quality to the squad for the first half of the season, featuring in 8 LV= County Championship and 4 Clydesdale Bank 40 games.

“We will be looking to get off to a good start in front of the Chelmsford crowd v Gloucestershire and for Alviro, he will certainly be looking to have a successful time with us to secure a place in South Africa’s Test squad to face England later in the year.”

Pakistan are a settled one day unit with players more comfortable in the shorter formats of the game whilst England are the binary opposite. Although selection has been more concise in recent years, few players are cemented in the one day side with the majority far more suited to the test arena.

The form of Pakistan in 2011 will scare England with only seven defeats in the 32 matches they played. On the other hand England come into the series on the back of a 5-0 whitewash in India but did record back to back series wins in last summer over Sri Lanka and India.

England’s squad harbours many of the country’s brightest talents and exposing them against opposition of this calibre isn’t far short of dumping them into the deep end of the proverbial swimming pool. Youngsters Danny Briggs, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow have all been included in the ODI squad.

Hampshire spinner Danny Briggs has had two solid seasons with his county and seems to have adapted well in stepping up to the Lions squad. His best performances for the south coast county have come in the Twenty20 cup due mainly to his impressive accuracy and subtle changes of pace. With an economy of 6.58 in domestic T20 cricket he could well offer vital middle overs for England and an inclusion in the four match series would be of little surprise.

There have been calls for Jos Buttler to come straight into the side for the first match of the series after his stunning form further east in Sri Lanka. Firstly smashing an unbeaten 102 from only 56 before showing another side to his game with 119 from 130, Buttler made his inclusion a formality. What would have had the selectors all the happier was the fact that these scores came in sub continent conditions, something England have notoriously struggled with.

Steven Finn will be keep to continue his progress after a solid few months in the England side. He and Tim Bresnan offered some optimism in an otherwise bleak ODI tour of India and the Middlesex seamer’s raw pace will be a key part of the bowling attack.

There are still doubts surrounding Alastair Cook with many believing his inclusion in the side is purely down to his position as captain. One thing that cant be doubted is his increase in performance since taking the role to lead the side. In his fifteen games in charge he has averaged 46.15 with a hundred and five fifties.

Most importantly his strike rate has rocketed from 78.98 to 93.16, something which had often provided the basis of arguments about his selection. After a poor time in India he will be keen to take the side back to the form which saw them win well over India and Sri Lanka in the summer. Another player looking to silence some critics is Eoin Morgan. After failing to show his test match ability he will be desperate to remind people of his ODI credentials.

Pakistan enter 2012 on the back of a fine 2011 in the one day game and will be confident of beginning this year in positive fashion. They have the top two ranked ODI bowlers in the world in Saeed Ajmal and Mohammed Hafeez, both spinners which won’t please their English opposition.

Ajmal dominated the test series and is relatively unchallenged as the world’s number one ODI bowler with 34 at 17.08 in 2011. Not only will England need to find a way to keep him out but now into the 50-over matches find a way of scoring runs. Everybody saw exactly what Shahid Afridi can do first hand from his time with Hampshire last season. Although his batting is inconsistent to put it mildly his bowling is always a threat, last year claiming 45 wickets in 27 matches.

Where Afridi offers flair with the blade Misbah-Ul Haq offers the cornerstone to the line up. Very much his team’s finisher last year he amassed 964 runs at an average of 53.55.

Whether England decide to blood in the youth will remain to be seen but after a poor showing in India it would appear changes will essential if they are to change their fortunes on the sub continent.

Playing for his local club Atherton he opened the batting as a 15 year old during 2003. During that same year he debuted for the counties 2nd XI v Somerset. Batting in the lower middle order, Brown managed scores of 4 and 15. Brown didn’t represent the counties second XI again till 2005 by which time he was playing his club cricket at Northern CC.

Between 2005 and 2007 Brown gained international recognition playing 15 times for England under 19s, winning the Man of the Match award on 2 separate occasions and managing a century. Brown changed clubs again during 2007, moving from Northern to Milnrow where he accepted a role as nominated professional.

2006 saw Brown make his first class debut against Durham University. He made scores of 2 and 32 in his opening berth in what was to prove his only first class appearance that season.

2007 saw Brown debut in the counties one day team v Worcestershire. During 2006 and 2009 Brown made only 7 appearances for his county. A regular member of the counties 2nd XI during this time, he had with youth on his side and the best was, hopefully, to come.

Brown made something of a break through during the 2010 season. Seven one day matches yielded 286 runs at an average of 47.66. This obviously made an impression on coach Peter Moores as Brown was thrust to the forefront of Lancashire’s title winning campaign during the 2011 season.

Batting at 3 Brown managed 795 runs at an average 31.80 including a maiden first class century during 2011. He rounded off the season by being at the crease when the winning runs were hit v Somerset in the final game of the championship season. He accumulated 309 list A runs at an average of 44.14, as well as 240 T20 runs at an average of 30.

The end of the season brought recognition for Brown from county and country. Brown was voted Lancashire’s Young Player of the Year as well as being selected in the 13 man England Development squad, he is currently playing in Sri Lanka’s first class competition for Moors Sports Club.

At the end of 2011 Brown has scored 1187 runs @ 26.97 in First class cricket and 687 @ 34.35 in List A cricket. These represent good figures for a cricketer who will turn 24 during May of this year.

So what does 2012 hold? Further progress? Or difficult second full season syndrome? Brown will almost certainly continue to bat 3 for Lancashire as they defend there title. He will be hoping to keep his stats on an upward trend and be looking for match winning contributions in a key batting position. With that will hopefully come further international recognition with the England Development squad and possibly the Lions.

Karl Brown has already been on Lancashire’s books for 6 years as First class cricketer, but given he is still only 23 he truly is one to watch….

Charlotte Edwards hit an unbeaten century to lead England Women to a 181-run victory in their first warm up game against New Zealand emerging players, ahead of the T20 and one day international series against New Zealand women.

After winning the toss Edwards opened the batting and put on 40 with Beth Morgan before Morgan was bowled in the seventh over. Edwards went onto share a 71-run partnership with Sarah Taylor as the pair brought up 100 runs for England off 98 balls.

Taylor hit straight to mid-on halfway through the nineteenth over to depart for 32 but left England looking comfortable on 111 for two.

Edwards found the ropes on 17 occasions as she continued to add runs with Lydia Greenway, Arran Brindle and Heather Knight before retiring on 123, leaving England on 234 for five. The tourists’ lower order put on 58 in the final 11 overs with Danielle Hazell and Georgia Elwiss finishing on 19 and six not out.

England posted 292 for the loss of nine wickets from their 50 overs.

Anya Shrubsole dominated the bowling attack for England taking five for five and left New Zealand emerging players struggling on 25 for two after just six overs.

Hazell continued to exude the pressure claiming the wicket of the host’s top scorer Anna Peterson (42) who picked out Greenway at deep mid-wicket. After Danielle Wyatt ran out Janet Brehaut, Hazell struck three balls later trapping Melinda Hodgson leg before to leave the emerging players on 81 for six.

Shrubsole returned for a final spell and cleaned up the tail taking a further three wickets which saw Jenny Gunn take an outstanding catch at mid-on. England claimed a 181-run victory over New Zealand emerging players who were bowled out for 111 in 38.1 overs.

Charlotte Edwards said: “We had a good day out there today with some great individual performances. Everyone enjoyed being back outside and I was really pleased with how the team performed.

“Anya put in a fantastic performance with the ball, it’s great to have her back in the team.

“I was delighted to get out there today and get some runs under my belt and we are all looking forward to moving into the twenty 20 format on Monday.”

England will play New Zealand emerging players in their next warm up game on Monday 13^th February.