Somerset's Alfonso Thomas takes an incredible four wickets in four balls to leave Sussex on the brink

Thomas becomes the first man in Somerset's history to achieve such a feat and the first in 14 years

Alfonso Thomas of Somerset celebrates taking four wickets in four balls after dismissing Matt Machan of Sussex during day three of the LV County Championship (Getty Images)

Somerset's Alfonso Thomas took an astonishing four wickets in four balls as Sussex collapsed to 33 for five in LV= County Championship Division One on Tuesday.

Sussex were 33 for nought in their second innings on day three at Taunton before the visitors endured a nightmare three overs that saw them lose five wickets in 10 balls without adding a single run.

Thomas opened the floodgates by bowling James Anyon for 18 and then proceeded to dismiss both Rory Hamilton-Brown and Sussex danger-man Ed Joyce for ducks to complete a stunning hat-trick.

The change of over brought Peter Trego to the attack and within four balls he had sent Chris Nash (12) back to the pavilion, after the opener was caught by James Hildreth.

On the first ball of the next over, Thomas then made it four in four as he clean bowled Matt Machan for a duck to leave Sussex's hopes of victory in tatters.

Somerset led their opponents by 75 runs after the first innings.

It is the first time a Somerset player has taken four wickets in four balls in first-class cricket.

Surrey's Gary Butcher was the last man to achieve the remarkable feat against Derbyshire at The Oval in 2000.

PA