Sussex’s pursuit of the Division Two title took a significant step forward as they trailed Middlesex by 159 runs at the end of day three at Hove. Despite losing the first seven sessions to inclement weather, the match finally got underway at 12.40pm on day three.
Sam Robson’s superb century (113 off 103 balls) spearheaded Middlesex’s innings, which saw them post 271 all out from just 44.3 overs. The former England Test opener’s chanceless knock included 15 fours and helped Middlesex make up for lost time.
Ryan Higgins’ quickfire 40 (28 balls) provided support, but it was the spin duo of Jack Carson (3-46) and James Coles (4-61) who proved to be Sussex’s most potent weapons. Carson’s three wickets took him to 50 championship wickets for the season, the first time a Sussex spinner has reached that landmark since Monty Panesar in 2012.
In reply, Sussex openers Tom Haines (53*) and Oli Carter (15) provided a solid start, putting on 68 for the first wicket. However, Carter’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Tom Helm, and Tom Clark’s subsequent departure for 14 left Sussex on 80-2.
Tom Alsop (11*) joined Haines at the crease and the pair saw out the remaining overs, leaving Sussex with the prospect of clinching the Division Two title on the final day of the season.
