LV=County Championship - Division 1: Skipper Joyce puts Sussex in good position

Joyce lost second-wicket partner Matt Machan just before lunch after the left-hander had added 55 to his first-innings’ 135.

But Joyce reached the interval unbeaten on 61 with Sussex 131 for two, a lead of 87.

Sussex suffered an early setback when Luke Wells (4), whose four innings so far this season have yielded just 28 runs, fell tamely to a slip catch as he fenced at a ball from Charlie Morris.

Machan had a reprieve on four when he was dropped at third slip by Tom Kohler-Cadmore off the impressive Morris, who bowled with good pace and control down the Hove slope.

He and Joyce grew in confidence, Joyce reaching his 50 off 77 balls with six fours and a pulled six off Jack Shantry. Machan followed home to the landmark shortly afterwards off 67 balls (6 fours) before he was pinned in front playing across the line to a quicker ball from Alexei Kervezee. The stand had been worth 119 in 27 overs and was only off-spinner Kervezee’s third first-class wicket.