Klinger bows out in style

Chris Nash: Sussex opener made 84 off 109 balls on day one

Moeen Ali: fell lbw to Naved Arif 15 short of a century on day two

Ed Joyce: Helped Sussex to 143-0 at the close of play on day three

Michael Klinger: Scores a farewell half-century for Worcestershire

A farewell half-century by Michael Klinger helped Worcestershire to a draw after rain on the final morning spoiled a hard-fought match with Sussex in the LV= County Championship at New Road.

The visitors tried to make up for the lost time with a century for Ed Joyce and a knock of 98 by Chris Nash before a declaration at 258-4 four left Worcestershire chasing a target of 315 in 60 overs.

Ably supported by Vikram Solanki in a partnership of 76, Klinger - who will now return Down Under - made 67 with eight fours and a six but his departure was unfortunate with the thinnest of deflections on the leg side in attempting to hook James Anyon.

Worcestershire wobbled for a while when Monty Panesar took two wickets in six balls and James Cameron retired after a short ball from Anyon struck him on the side of his face, but Solanki, unbeaten with 44, and Gareth Andrew (27 not out) saw them to safety.

When the rain relented for a start after an early lunch, Sussex lost four wickets in adding 115 in 10 overs after their openers had resumed an overnight partnership of 143.

With 12 fours and three sixes, Nash was on the brink of a celebratory century in his 100th first-class match when he was lbw, trying to work Moeen Ali's first ball of the day off his legs.

Joyce safely reached his hundred with his second six - he also hit 11 fours in an unbeaten 108 - and Joe Gatting clattered four sixes, one of these clearing the pavilion, while making 36 from 11 balls.

Day three

Openers Chris Nash and Ed Joyce produced an unbroken stand of 143 before the weather halted a Sussex charge against Worcestershire in the LV= County Championship at New Road.

Apart from a couple of sketchy shots, notably a top-edged cut parried by Michael Klinger at third slip, Nash played himself into a good rhythm.

In cruising to 70 from 118 balls, Joyce was a different player from the one who laboured for more than an hour over six runs in the first innings.

For Worcestershire, the third day, albeit cut short by 44 overs, became increasingly uncomfortable as Sussex moved into a commanding 199-run lead.

Any hopes they had of matching Sussex's first innings total of 315 evaporated in the morning with their dismissal for 259 after losing their last three wickets for an additional 28 runs.

Jack Shantry managed to hold out with 22 not out in his first championship knock of the season but there was nothing substantial from his partners.

Ben Scott was leg-before to Jimmy Anyon, Lucas was run out by Nash's quick reactions at short leg and Richard Jones scooped up a catch to mid-on as Monty Panesar completed a return of three for 65 in 23 overs.

In terms of economy Steve Magoffin had the best figures after an immaculate performance in bowling 30 overs for his two for 35.

Day Two

Moeen Ali kept Worcestershire afloat on day two of their County Championship match with Sussex at New Road.

Ali hit 85 at number four as the Pears reached 231-7 in reply to their visitors' first-innings effort of 315.

The former England Under 19 left-hander was given support from Vikram Solanki (34) and Matt Pardoe (28) in stands worth 47 and 96 for the second and fourth wickets respectively.

Sussex's attack put in a solid effort with two wickets each for seamers Steve Magoffin (2-28), Naved Arif (2-50) and spinner Monty Panesar (2-64).

At the start of the day, Sussex's last two wickets added 32 runs to their overnight 283-8 with Australian Magoffin, playing against his former county, finishing on 41 not out to secure a third batting bonus point.

Day One

Sussex opener Chris Nash scored his highest score for a year in the County Championship during a fluctuating first day at New Road.

With Nash claiming the majority of the runs, Sussex went to lunch at 101-1, then lost five wickets for 67 in the afternoon, and kicked on again to close at 283-8 following a stand of 84 from Ben Brown and Naved Arif.

Gareth Andrew, beginning his comeback after knee surgery in December, ended Nash's innings when he went for 84 - scored off 109 balls - and Jack Shantry marked his first championship appearance of the season with three wickets.

The seamers looked threatening throughout the afternoon but there was another twist after tea.

Brown, recalled to the county side following Matt Prior's return to England duty, and Naved comfortably put on 50 before the new ball was taken. They continued to bat with some freedom until departing in the space of seven balls.

Brown (42) top-edged Lucas to Vikram Solanki, running back from slip, and Naved (46) was caught behind, attempting to swat a short delivery from Jones.

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