Brilliant performances from Chris Rushworth and Cameron Steel led Durham's fightback on day two of their Specsavers County Championship Division Two meeting with Sussex at Emirates Riverside.

After being bowled out for 103, Rushworth – who has been rewarded with a testimonial next year - was outstanding dragging the home side back into the contest by claiming 8-51.

Sussex failed to capitalise on their solid bowling performance, after Ollie Robinson notched his third five-wicket haul on the bounce, boasting only a lead of 19.

Steel and Alex Lees formed a solid partnership at the top of the innings in response. The 22-year-old held his composure to reach three figures for the first time this term, his county's fifth centurion of the season. At the close of play the hosts held a 201-run advantage over Sussex with six second innings wickets remaining.

Durham began the day 92-7 in need of an effort from the tail to guide them to a competitive first-innings' score.

However, Robinson was able to strike three times, removing Stuart Poynter, Matt Salisbury and Nathan Rimmington, claiming a five-wicket haul and dismissing the hosts for 103.

Sussex were immediately pegged back in their response as Tom Haines edged a Rushworth delivery to third slip in the first over.

Phil Salt and Luke Wells attempted to see off the new ball and made steady progress before both players were dismissed in back-to-back deliveries as Rushworth and Salisbury struck.

Rushworth then took command from the Lumley End.

His subtle variations in pace and movement have brought the 32-year-old a great deal of success during his career and he notched his 400th first-class wicket for Durham by bowling Harry Finch for 12 with a fine delivery.

The dismissal opened the floodgates to bring the home side back into the contest. Ben Brown and Michael Burgess fell to the seamer, claiming the 21st five-wicket haul in the four-day format.

A brilliant catch by Will Smith at gully sent Chris Jordan on his way, while Jofra Archer lasted only a solitary delivery when he was cleaned up by Rushworth. Robinson handed the veteran his eighth wicket of the innings, although Poynter and Paul Collingwood had to combine to take the catch behind the stumps.

Another scalp would have seen Rushworth claim his career-best figures, but Salisbury ended the innings by trapping David Wiese in front of the stumps, bowling out the visitors for 122 and a lead of 19.

Durham capitalised on their momentum to eradicate the deficit without loss as Cameron Steel and Alex Lees built a solid partnership. The duo put on 72 for the first wicket before Lees was given out caught behind on 43 off the bowling of Robinson.

Archer accounted for the scalp of Smith to apply pressure. Steel held firm at the other end, reaching his 50 off 78 deliveries with a boundary down to fine leg. Graham Clark struck three boundaries early in his knock, but was pinned lbw by Archer for 21.

Steel continued his impressive knock, making his runs at a good pace to break into the 90s.

He was given a life on 95 when he top edged a delivery from Jordan, but Salt running back slipped as he attempted to make the catch.

The 22-year-old made his first century of the campaign, reaching the milestone with a boundary through the covers off his 158th delivery. The partnership between Steel and Richardson was ended on 55 as the former was removed by Robinson.

However, Steel remained unbeaten at the close alongside Axar Patel his side well poised on 220-4, 201 runs ahead.

Rushworth admitted: "It has been a good day. Personal milestones, good news and putting us in a winning position.

“If you looked at the state of the game this morning and you told someone what was going to happen they wouldn't believe you. It has been an incredible day of cricket. To sit at 220-4, with a lead of over 200, we're very happy.

"There was a little bit of help there, but Cameron Steel showed that if you can get past that new ball period it does become easier to bat on. With the new ball you have to make inroads when it's hard.’’

Of his own heroics with the ball, he said: "You know when you get into a rhythm and when you pick up wickets you want to keep on bowling. It's almost easier to keep bowling that one big spell than having little breaks, especially when things are going your way. When you're in a rhythm you have to make the most of it and cash in when you can.

“When you come off after bowling a side out for 122 the momentum was with us. Steely has gone on and scored that hundred and put us in front of the game."