Machan made his first-class debut against Cambridge MCCU in May 2010

Matt Machan hopes playing in Australia this winter will help him break into the Sussex first team.

The batsman, who signed a two-year deal this week, is representing Dandenong in the Victorian Premier League.

Machan, 20, told BBC Sussex: "Last season went better than expected and I'll look to build on that in the 10 weeks until Christmas.

"I've come away to give myself the best possible opportunity to be considered for the first game in April."

He added: "All I can do is train, hopefully improve my game, and push for places throughout the year in every format."

Machan, who scored his 71 on his County Championship debut against Nottinghamshire last month, is also looking to develop his medium-pace bowling while with the Melbourne side.

"Nowadays, you've got to be able to bat, bowl and field," the left-hander continued.

"I'll obviously continue to work on my batting here in Australia, but I want to develop my bowling as much as possible.

"I want to be a similar sort of bowler to Darren Stevens at Kent.

"That could be a good string to my bow."

Machan will stay with Dandenong until January, when he is due to head on Sussex's pre-season trip to the Caribbean.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version