HOVE — Sussex took control on a rain-affected third day against Durham in their County Championship clash at The 1st Central County Ground, building a lead of 145 runs thanks to a disciplined bowling performance and a gritty half-century from James Coles.
Gurinder Sandhu’s Five-Wicket Haul
Australian seamer Gurinder Sandhu was the standout performer for Sussex, claiming figures of 5-83 to dismantle Durham’s middle order. His ability to extract movement from a sluggish pitch proved decisive, as Durham collapsed from a promising 180-4 to 259 all out. "The pitch wasn’t offering much, so I had to be patient and hit the right areas consistently," Sandhu said post-play.
Key moments from Sandhu’s spell included:
- The dismissal of Durham captain Scott Borthwick (42), caught behind off a sharp delivery.
- A well-disguised slower ball to remove Brydon Carse, who miscued to mid-on.
- The crucial wicket of David Bedingham (68), trapped lbw with a full, swinging delivery.
James Coles Anchors Sussex Reply
Sussex’s second innings was anchored by 19-year-old James Coles, who scored a composed 53 before falling to Ben Raine. Coles’ innings was particularly impressive given the overcast conditions and Durham’s disciplined attack. "It wasn’t easy out there, but Coles showed maturity beyond his years," Sussex coach Paul Farbrace remarked.
Weather Disrupts Momentum
Rain played a significant role, wiping out nearly 30 overs across the day. Sussex, resuming at 45-1, were forced into multiple interruptions, disrupting their rhythm. Despite this, they reached 172-5 at stumps, with Tom Alsop (34*) and Jack Carson (12*) unbeaten overnight.
Durham’s Fightback with the Ball
Durham’s bowlers kept themselves in contention, with Ben Raine (2-32) and Matthew Potts (2-45) sharing four wickets. Raine’s dismissal of Coles, caught at slip, was a highlight, while Potts generated consistent seam movement. "We’re still in this game if we can strike early tomorrow," Raine told reporters.
Match Situation Heading into Day Four
With Sussex leading by 145 runs and five wickets in hand, the match hangs in the balance. A quick burst of wickets could give Durham a chaseable target, but Sussex will aim to push their advantage beyond 200. The weather forecast remains uncertain, adding another layer of intrigue.
"It’s set up for a fascinating final day," said BBC Sussex commentator Adrian Harms. "Sussex have the edge, but Durham’s bowlers won’t go down without a fight."