Mark Pettini is included in the Essex squad for the first time this season after completing his exams at Cardiff University.

The talented middle-order batsman in named in a 13-man squad from whom skipper Ronnie Irani will select his side to open their Twenty20 Cup campaign against Sussex Sharks at Hove this evening.

There is also the chance that allrounder Grant Flower will give the thumbs up sign after missing the last couple of matches with a sore shoulder and neck, but Alex Tudor has been ruled out with a persistent knee problem.

The injury forced the fast bowler to miss the weekend victory over Worcestershire in the National League, an absence that gave Ashley Cowan the chance to press his claims.

However, Cowan did not seize the opportunity - conceding 35 in five untidy overs - and significantly does not find himself in the party travelling to Hove.

Neither does left-arm spinner Tim Phillips. He is receiving treatment for a swollen ankle, an injury he picked up when hit by a straight drive from Gloucestershire's Upul Chandana when bowling last Friday.

Nick Thornicroft, the paceman on loan from Yorkshire, will be keeping his fingers crossed for a place in the side, but Irani will not be revealing his final 11 until the squad arrives at Hove.