James Kirtley remains a doubt for Sussex's Championship decider against Leicestershire at Hove tomorrow (10.30am).

The England paceman will have a fitness test today after three weeks on the sidelines with shin splints. But director of cricket Peter Moores says Kirtley is doubtful for the match which could see Sussex crowned county champions for the first time in their history.

Moores said: "He is improving, but at best I'd say James is 50-50. He'll have a proper bowl today and I would say we will know from the moment he lands his front foot on the crease whether he will be fit or not.

"We need James to be able to bowl his stint and we can't take a risk if he's not 100 per cent. If we did it would be unfair on Billy Taylor and Jason Lewry who have been bowling really well."

Sussex need just six points against already relegated Leicestershire and their target will be reduced if Lancashire, their only other rivals for the title, fail to pick up a maximum 22 points from their final game at Trent Bridge against Nottinghamshire.

Batsman Tony Cottey added: "No disrespect to Leicestershire, who will make it very hard for us, but if we can't get six points against them at Hove we don't deserve to win the title."

Mushtaq Ahmed also hopes to be celebrating. He needs one wicket for 100 this season.

Sussex: Montgomerie, Goodwin, Cottey, Adams, Ambrose, Martin-Jenkins, Prior, Davis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Lewry, Taylor.

Leicestershire (from): Maunders, Sadler, Hodge, Maddy, Ward, Snape, Nixon, DeFreitas, Drakes, Masters, Dagnall, Amin.