Hamilton-Brown joined Sussex from Surrey in 2007

Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior says Rory Hamilton-Brown faces a major task if he accepts the Surrey captaincy.

The 22-year-old, who began his career at The Oval, has been targeted by former Sussex captain Chris Adams, now in charge of cricket matters at Surrey.

"It's hard work for anyone, let alone a guy who has just played a handful of Championship games," Prior insisted.

"If he wants to take on that responsibility, good luck to him. But it is a massive ask."

Adams led Sussex to three Championship titles in five seasons before leaving to become cricket manager at Surrey, teaming up with chief executive Gus Mackay, who worked in the same role at Sussex.

"Griz [Adams] knows what we've had at Sussex - and obviously was a massive part of it - and he wants to try and recreate that at Surrey," Prior said.

"I don't think that will ever be possible, but he has to go his own way about it. The way it has been done is probably not quite right - but only Griz will know that."

Hamilton-Brown is regarded as a promising spin bowler and attacking batsman, but he is still a work in progress - making just four Championship appearances last summer.

"I would like to see Rory stay at Sussex, because he's a very talented cricketer," Prior insisted.

606: DEBATE We've developed him, turned him into one of the best young players in England, and they want him back! What a nerve - shame on you Adams! RFawden

"But at Sussex, I want to see players passionate about playing for Sussex. If in their heart of hearts they are 100% about playing for Sussex and wanting Sussex to get back in the first division and carry on the legacy we've created over the last nine years, I want every player like that to stay.

"If in the bottom of their hearts they want to go and live in London and play for Surrey, that is a decision they've got to make."

Prior added that the man-management skills required in captaincy might be too much for the inexperienced Hamilton-Brown.

"That will be a massive responsibility for him to go to a club like Surrey," he said.

"With the big egos and big personalities there - a 22-year-old captaining Mark Ramprakash [aged 40] - that's going to be hard work."

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