SUSSEX reacted in almost cavalier fashion to being inserted and losing a wicket to the third ball at Chester-le-Street. But after a second-wicket stand of 88 in 18 overs they lost three further wickets to reach lunch on 117 for four.

Following his century at Hove last week, Matt Machan went in when Chris Nash edged Graham Onions to Phil Mustard and immediately began peppering the boards.

He scored the first 18 runs before Ed Joyce got off the mark with a six hooked over the short long leg boundary off Chris Rushworth. The batsmen then either missed or middled as they rode their luck before both departed on 88.

Machan indicated an edge after falling lbw to John Hastings for 43 and Joyce slapped an Usman Arshad long hop straight to backward point.

Craig Cachopa edged a good ball from Hastings to Mustard in the penultimate over before lunch.