Jason Lewry was left out at Horsham today as Sussex implemented their rotation policy for the first time.

The left-armer made way for the return of James Kirtley for his first Championship appearance since last July as the county looked for their first four-day win of the season against Warwickshire.

While Kirtley has been on international duty, Lewry shared new ball duties with Mohammad Akram in the first four Championship games.

"It was a hard decision to make," said director of cricket Peter Moores. "It was very difficult to split Jason and Mohammad because neither of them have done anything wrong.

"But we're playing on nine days out of the next ten which is hard work for bowlers. There are no guarantees, but there's a very good chance he'll play against Northants at Hove next week."

Warwickshire's Nick Knight won the toss and there was no surprise that he decided to make first use of ideal batting conditions.

Knight and Mark Wagh had 28 runs on the board after just four overs, most of them scored to the unguarded third man boundary.

It was shaping up to be a hard day for the Sussex attack when Akram struck in successive overs.

Wagh was well taken in front of slip by wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose as he underedged an expansive cover drive.

Knight then had his off bail trimmed by a delivery which did just enough off the seam.

Warwickshire 75-2 (15 overs)