Sussex, the second division leaders, established a commanding position on day one of their match against Derbyshire at Hove, thanks to a dominant batting performance led by Australian Daniel Hughes.
Hughes, who has already confirmed his return to Sussex next season, struck a magnificent 144 off 142 balls, including 18 fours and three sixes. He shared a 196-run opening partnership with Tom Haines, who contributed 72.
After Hughes’ departure, Tom Alsop continued the onslaught, hitting an unbeaten 69 as Sussex closed on 391 for 4. The hosts’ strong start was a welcome response after their only second defeat of the season to promotion rivals Yorkshire last week.
Derbyshire skipper David Lloyd’s decision to bowl first backfired as his seamers struggled for consistency, particularly before lunch. Hughes and Haines took full advantage, plundering 161 runs from 28 overs.
Hughes reached his ninth first-class hundred just after lunch, but his innings ended prematurely when he under-edged a delivery from Daryn Dupavillon to keeper Brooke Guest.
Haines departed for 72 when he drove loosely at Zak Chappell, while Tom Clark fell to left-armer spinner Jack Morley. However, Alsop remained unfazed, adding 66 for the fourth wicket with James Coles and 39 for the fifth wicket with captain John Simpson.
Sussex will resume tomorrow in a strong position, with Alsop and Simpson at the crease and Derbyshire facing an uphill task to contain the hosts’ batting onslaught.
