A teatime rallying call inspired Sussex's fightback on the first day of the Championship match at Hove.

Centuries from Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah helped Middlesex reach 297-3 but Mushtaq Ahmed took his tally of wickets for the season to 95 by claiming 6-32 in the final session as the visitors were bowled out for 392.

Director of cricket Peter Moores said: "Murray Goodwin reminded the guys that there are three sessions in every match and that we had to keep working hard. The boys responded superbly, but the charge was led by Murray."

Middlesex lost their last five men for 18 in 27 balls after Strauss (138) and Shah (140) put on 219 for their third wicket.

Moores added: "Strauss and Shah produced some high quality batting. Every bad ball was put away and they put our bowlers under pressure.

"To bowl them out in a day was a fantastic performance, but the lads have showed that sort of character all season to get us in the position we're in.

"Robin Martin-Jenkins bowled a really key spell to drag them back and Mushtaq got the luck he deserved after tea."

Sussex maintained their record of collecting maximum bowling points in every match and are just a point behind leaders Surrey, who are heading for an innings defeat against Kent.

Members of Sussex's Gillette Cup team of 1963 will be at the match tomorrow to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Lord's triumph.