Hodd averaged 24.53 with the bat in the Championship last season

Sussex wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd believes they can challenge for the title on their return to Division One of the County Championship.

Sussex won the trophy three times in five years before being relegated at the end of 2009.

The 26-year-old told BBC Sussex: "We've brought in Amjad Khan and have got other young bowlers like James Anyon who are raring to go.

"I really think we can put in a decent title bid if our big guns."

He added: "I think it's where we belong really. It was probably a good thing that we went down because it's given an opportunity to some of the younger guys coming through.

"We've got a nice band in their 20s who will all peak at the same time and it will be to the benefit of Sussex."

Hodd, who played 10 matches in Sussex's successful promotion campaign, thinks the team spirit helps players to improve their game.

"With the club and the squad as it is, everyone is forthcoming with advice, and the beauty is everyone is willing to take it on," he said.

"There's a good ethos around the club and there's a few good figures to learn from."

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