Wells is source of Sussex's inspiration

Lancashire 355 and 38-2 Sussex 317

Both Sussex and the much-discussed Lytham pitch proved to have more substance than many people expected yesterday. Although Mike Watkinson took 7 for 140, his best figures of the season, Alan Wells' solidly constructed 100 stood out in conditions where no one else has so far got much beyond 50.

It ensured that Lancashire had a lead of no more than 38 and, one way and another, it seemed to epitomise the gutsy spirit Sussex have shown here, despite one or two unhappy episodes lately on and off the field.

While ability to play spin is not exactly a prime requirement for the current Test series, Wells' sensible and pragmatic approach to batting would make him a sensible choice to replace the injured Robin Smith.

The ball had turned lavishly enough on the first day for the umpires to report this fact - but nothing else - to the Test and County Cricket Board. Given the dry, grassless surface it might have been expected to "explode" in the continuing heat, but it held together, contributing to another good, rollicking day's cricket.

Under the circumstances, maybe too much was expected from Watkinson and Gary Keedy early on. Maybe they simply tried a shade too hard. Either way, Sussex spirits had a massive boost with a freewheeling partnership of 96 in the day's first 20 overs from Bill Athey and the nightwatchman, Nick Phillips.

There were plenty of variations in line and length to encourage them and eventually Ian Austin had to be recalled to hit the resourceful Phillips' off-stump. But Athey continued sweeping and nudging busily until, aiming to cut Watkinson, he was bowled off a bottom edge from one that came back a long way.

By then Watkinson had changed ends and as he took 3 for 5 in nine balls, Sussex found themselves still 47 short of the follow-on target with only four wickets left, and each one of them no doubt aware that this was still a pitch on which you could easily get out very quicky.

But Wells exuded calm confidence which spread to those around him. His neat footwork and ability to judge length raised batting to a different level. Ian Salisbury stayed with him sensibly while 84 were added for the eighth wicket but, more to the point, his two wickets for nought then reminded Lancashire that this game is far from over.