Sussex vs Glamorgan: Day 3 match report

Marnus Labuschagne and Kiran Carlson put on a 288 fourth-wicket partnership to drag Glamorgan back into the game at The 1st Central County Ground on day 3 of the LV= Insurance County Championship match against Sussex.

Key batsman Marnus Labuschagne, in his final innings for Glamorgan this summer, hit 138 from 244 balls, with 16 fours and four sixes – following Steve’s Smith’s 89 for Sussex - as he and Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson put on 288 for the fourth wicket as the county fought their back from conceding a first advantage of 358.

It was a Glamorgan fourth wicket record against Sussex. At the close of the third day they led by 141, with Carlson 187 not out.

Glamorgan had resumed on 118 for one, having knocked off a third of their massive first innings deficit the previous evening, but still a formidable 240 runs in arrears.

They lost their first wicket of the day in the eighth over of the morning, at 123, when Zain-ul-Hassan was smartly stumped by Oli Carter off off-spinner Jack Carson, having added just three runs to his overnight score. 

And Carson put himself on a hat-trick when he took another wicket with his next ball, Sam Northeast lbw on the back foot.  

Ollie Robinson's contest with Labuschagne so absorbing, and he was unlucky not to pick up the wicket of Carlson for just three.

Carlson survived another chance at 163, when he had made 21, when he advanced down the wicket to drive Carson for four. Carson got a hand to the ball but it was an extremely difficult chance. 

Labuschagne, making amends for his solitary run in the first innings, reached his half-century from 121 deliveries, with six fours and three sixes. His innings was a combination of obduracy and big shots. Glamorgan went to lunch on 223 for three.

In the afternoon session Labuschagne and Carlson looked unperturbed as Sussex captain Cheteshwar Pujara rotated his bowlers while he awaited the arrival of the new ball.

Carlson reached his century having faced 127 balls and hit ten fours and a six. At tea Glamorgan, on 376 for three, led by 18.

Sussex finally broke through when Labuschagne was lbw to Coles, who later had Billy Root caught at forward short leg, to set up what could be another fascinating day of cricket tomorrow at The 1st Central County Ground. 

In a game where momentum shifted from side to side, Glamorgan will feel they are on top after today, however if Sussex can pick up early wickets tomorrow, they will certainly back themselves to chase down any score set by the away side.

Report provided by the ECB Reporter's Network