Matthew Wood’s unbeaten 85  brought Nottinghamshire to within 78 runs of Sussex’s first innings total at Horesham.

Beginning their reply early after overnight batsmen Corey Collymore stood on his stumps from the fifth delivery of the day, Wood shared a 48 run partnership with fellow opener Scott Newman who made 25 before he was bowled by Rayner.

He put on a further 122 with Mark Wagh for the second wicket and will resume on 231-2 in reply to 309 alongside Adam Voges who reached 27 at stumps.

Wagh appeared in control having hit a six and 9 fours in his 73 but edged Martin-Jenkins’ delivery on to the stumps.

“It’s a lovely wicket to bat on and it was a pleasure to be out there with Woody,” said Wagh.

“His timing is wonderful and he looks rock solid and we’re pleased to be watching him bat. It’s important to push on and get as many as we’re can because we’re in a good position.

“Plan A would be to get a big first innings total, get well past them to add pressure and then try to bowl them out.

“Sussex had a plan at one stage to go wide of the stumps but it’s difficult for bowlers on this wicket. You have to persevere and it won’t be easy for either team.”