Brooks fights back for Sussex on day 3

Derbyshire’s surprising decision not to enforce the follow-on against Sussex reduced their chances of winning – and gave Sussex an outside chance of pulling off an astonishing victory.

When Sussex were bowled out for 337 in this LV= Insurance County Championship match, it looked as though the visitors had the advantage, but Derbyshire decided to bat again and when they slumped to 54 for five, with Jack Brooks putting in a four-wicket burst, Sussex sensed the chance to pinch an outrageous win. 

Billy Godleman was well caught by Tom Alsop at first slip off Sean Hunt in the second over.

Then Brooks stepped up. He had Brooke Guest lbw for eight before dismissing the first innings hero Wayne Madsen first ball, caught behind. In his next over Brooks dismissed Leus du Plooy, who mis-cued to midwicket, and in his next over Shan Masood dragged a wide ball onto his stumps.

It was a fine evening spell by the on-loan seamer, Brooks, who closed the day with figures of 5-46.

Anuj Dal and Kerr fell near the close and Derbyshire closed on 127 for seven, a lead of 341. They are still favourites to win the game, but Sussex can now see an escape route.

Sussex had started the third day on 142 for three, chasing a target of 402 to avoid the follow-on, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 54 and the in-form Oli Carter 14.  Carter was dropped at first slip by Madsen off Sam Connors when he had made 26. 

Carter, who had scored a career best 185 and 83 in the county’s previous championship fixture against Glamorgan in Cardiff, went on to reach his half-century from 88 deliveries, with six fours. 

But then he was bowled going back when he might have been forward to one from the impressive Mark Watt, who was signed as a T20 player but who now appears to be the side’s number one red ball spinner.

The spotlight on Rizwan was getting brighter with the fall of each wicket at the other end. And, making the most of the short boundary at the east side of the ground, he went on to reach his first championship century for Sussex from 172 balls, with 18 fours.

Sussex lost their fifth wicket at 242 when Danial Ibrahim, half forward to one that turned from Watt, was bowled for six. 

Delray Rawlins scored a half-century in Cardiff and here, against the spinners, he sensibly mixed aggression with patience. He was eventually dismissed for 37.

Rizwan was lbw to Dal for a fine 130, with 22 fours, and eventually Sussex were dismissed for 337.

Sussex will need to take the final 3 Derbyshire wickets early tomorrow to give them the best possible chance of taking victory at The 1st Central County Ground.