IT’S been downhill all the way for Durham since taking a wicket with the third ball after lunch. Sussex have recovered from 115 for five through an unbroken stand of 144 between Luke Wright and wicketkeeper Ben Brown.

Graham Onions has not been back on the field for reasons yet to be ascertained and three catches plus a half chance went down during the session.

An overcast morning gave way to a sunny afternoon and the sixth-wicket pair have scored at more than four an over.

Phil Mustard, standing up first to Keaton Jennings then to Chris Rushworth, dropped Brown on 43 and 47 then Michael Richardson put down a straightforward chance at deep mid-wicket with Wright on 80.

That came off the bowling of Scott Borthwick, whose five overs have cost 33 runs.

Wright, who was on 83 at tea, drove the first ball of the afternoon wide of mid-off for four then took a single. Matt Machan pushed forward to the next ball and edged to Mustard, giving Durham every chance of dismissing Sussex for fewer than 200.

Wright continued to drive with fluent ease but almost gave a return catch to Mark Wood on 43. The bowler damaged a finger in trying to grab it and needed treatment.

Brown has matched Wight stroke for stroke to reach 73.