Flintoff empty-handed

Mahmood claimed five for 76 as the hosts were dismissed for 252, with Flintoff, recently out with a side strain having come back from an ankle operation, bowling 15 overs for 43 without success.

Only Robin Martin-Jenkins' 70 off 98 balls prevented an even worse scenario for Sussex, although the visitors made a disastrous start as they slumped to 67 for four at stumps.

Division One leaders Yorkshire were dismissed for 184 as England internationals Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett both claimed three wickets with Steve Harmison and Callum Thorp taking two apiece for Durham at Headingley. The hosts replied with 59 for three, with Ben Harmison 21no.

Mark Ramprakash's bid for his 100th first-class century continues after the former England batsman was out for 48 as Surrey closed on 251 for four against Kent.

Nottinghamshire's New Zealander Andre Adams claimed four for 63 as Hampshire were dismissed for 293 at the Rose Bowl. John Crawley (50), Nic Pothas (56) and Dimitri Mascarenhas (55) all made starts but failed to capitalise and the visitors had reduced the deficit by 13 without loss at stumps.

A rain-interrupted day could not prevent Hamish Marshall from scoring for a century for Gloucestershire against Division Two leaders Warwickshire.

The New Zealander had to leave the field on 94 mid-afternoon when the weather closed in but was able to return to eventually progress to 107 in his side's total of 190 for two - William Porterfield having hit 74 - before more rain forced an early finish.

England opener Alastair Cook warmed up for the first Test against South Africa on Thursday week with 95 in Essex's 365 for seven against Derbyshire.

Dawid Malan's unbeaten century rescued Middlesex from 36 for four against Northamptonshire, allowing the hosts to close on 317 for seven.