Sussex 407 for 5 (Simpson 112, Hughes 83, Clark 73, Crocombe 54) leads Glamorgan 186 (Carlson 56, Unadkat 4-52) by 221 runs.
Captain John Simpson marked a milestone as the first Sussex player in a decade to score five centuries in a single Vitality County Championship season. His unbeaten 112 helped Sussex build a commanding 221-run lead over Glamorgan at Hove. Responding to Glamorgan’s modest total of 186, Sussex reached 407 for 5 by the close of play.
With promotion rivals Yorkshire and Middlesex on track for victories, a win is crucial for Sussex. Despite losing four wickets for just 25 runs just before lunch, the team regained their composure to assert their dominance. Simpson’s 194-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tom Clark, who remained unbeaten on 73, was pivotal. Before bad light halted play at 4:20 PM, they added 19 runs off ten balls, securing Sussex's fourth batting point.
Simpson’s prolific form is reminiscent of Ed Joyce’s tenure, and he has consistently capitalized on his team’s advantageous positions this season. Daniel Hughes and nightwatchman Henry Crocombe extended their second-wicket stand to 78, though Hughes fell for 83, hitting 14 boundaries before being caught by midwicket off Dan Douthwaite. Crocombe achieved his first-class fifty with a powerful cover drive before being dismissed by short leg while attacking Ben Kellaway’s off-spin.
Kellaway, showing versatility by briefly bowling left-arm spin, claimed the wickets of Tom Alsop and James Coles. Clark, despite a challenging season, reached his third fifty, initially struggling against Kellaway but gaining confidence as Simpson counter-attacked. Sussex’s focus shifted to maximizing their batting bonus points in the 110 overs allocated.
Simpson’s innings included two boundaries off Kellaway, bringing his first-class century count to 15. A six off Ned Leonard’s first delivery of the next over secured Sussex’s fourth batting point with two balls to spare. As light deteriorated, umpires Nigel Llong and Sue Redfern halted play. With favourable weather and two days remaining, Sussex is poised to push for their seventh win of the season.