Sussex v Warwickshire: Day Four Report

The 32-year-old right-hander, signed from Kent in the winter, made an unbeaten 120 as Sussex backed up their 222-run win in the opening round against Leicestershire.

This victory was much closer and owed much to the superb sixth-wicket partnership of 144 in 43 overs forged by Leaning and Tom Price, another player making his home debut for his new county. The former Gloucestershire allrounder finished unbeaten on 70 and played a key role in Sussex’s success.

The pair had come together on 184-5 with Sussex still needing 144 to win and the contest in the balance.

They knocked 50 runs off that target last night but the first hour today was tense with only 35 runs added as Warwickshire’s seamers probed for a breakthrough.

Ethan Bamber had a very close lbw appeal against Leaning turned down when he was on 77, the ball appearing to pass just over the stumps. On 95 Leaning had to kick the ball away when he was in danger of playing on to Woakes, but in the last over before the new ball was taken he turned a delivery from part-time off-spinner Dan Mousley into the leg side for a single to reach the 12th century of his career, acknowledged by a standing ovation from the crowd.

Warwickshire’s last hope was to separate Leaning and Price with the new ball and put pressure on Sussex’s lower order but instead it liberated the pair.

Price steered Woakes wide of gully to bring up his second fifty for the county he joined, like Leaning, in the winter before stroking Bamber through the covers for three sumptuous fours in the next over.

All four Warwickshire seamers had a spell with the new ball, but runs were coming quickly by now with seven boundaries in three overs as Sussex sped towards their target.

Leaning launched Barnard down the ground for his 16th four to level the scores before driving the next ball through extra cover to seal Sussex’s victory 15 minutes before lunch.

Rothesay County Championship Division One Day 4:

Warwickshire 267 & 264, Sussex 204 & 331-5. Sussex (19pts) beat Warwickshire (4) by 5 wickets.

By Bruce Talbot, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay