A maiden first-class century from Jack Carson rescued Sussex from a precarious position on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship clash against Worcestershire at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove.
The off-spinner came to the crease with Sussex in deep trouble at 88 for six, but produced a composed and determined innings to steer his side to 284 all out. Carson struck 11 crisp boundaries and a leg-side six in a career-best 102, bringing up three figures with a powerful pull to the fence off Ben Allison in the 86th over.
Carson’s knock was all the more impressive given the collapse that had preceded it. Pears seamer Tom Taylor was the chief destroyer, ripping through the top and middle order in a fiery spell that yielded five wickets for 56 runs. His double strike in the morning session, removing Daniel Hughes and Tom Alsop with edges to third slip and the keeper, set the tone for a blistering passage of play.
Taylor also trapped Tom Clark lbw with a sharp inswinger as Sussex lost six wickets for just eight runs. Earlier, Ben Allison had found the outside edge of James Coles, with Ethan Brookes taking a neat low catch at fourth slip on the final ball before lunch.
After the interval, Taylor continued his onslaught, dismissing Tom Haines for 53, the only top-order batter to make a meaningful contribution, via a smart catch from substitute Rob Jones at second slip. He then bowled John Simpson with a peach of a delivery to complete his five-for.
Despite the damage, Carson stood firm and found much-needed support from debutant James Hayes, who showed remarkable resilience in an unbeaten 33 off 126 balls. Together, the pair added 65 for the final wicket, the highest stand of the innings, helping Sussex secure a valuable batting bonus point.
There was some joy for Worcestershire’s other bowlers in the afternoon session. Ben Gibbon claimed Fynn Hudson-Prentice for 22, nicking off to Gareth Roderick, while Ethan Brookes and Ben Allison removed Ollie Robinson and Ari Karvelas with short-pitched bowling. Carson’s remarkable stay finally ended when he chopped on against Matthew Waite.
With three overs remaining in the day, Worcestershire’s openers Jake Libby and nightwatchman Gibbon safely negotiated a brief tricky spell to close on 7 without loss.
Earlier in the day, Sussex were forced to draft in Hayes on an emergency two-week loan from Nottinghamshire following the withdrawal of Jayden Seales through injury.
