Sussex skipper Chris Adams is happy to be forging a reputation as a big game performer.

Adams took a century off the Surrey attack for the third season running to put the county in a strong position in their opening Championship match at the Oval.

Five of Adams' 38 first-class centuries have come against Surrey but the 101 he scored on the second day's play gave him extra satisfaction.

Winter surgery on his elbow meant Adams batted in just one of Sussex's pre-season games, a one-day match against Worcestershire a fortnight ago.

He showed few signs of rustiness as he struck 17 boundaries in four hours at the crease.

Adams said: "I've played prettier innings, but I've had so many nets recently that time in the middle is a real treat.

"I tend to play well when there's more on the game and I love coming to the Oval for one reason only and that's because I always seem to get runs here."

The third day's play was washed out.