James Kirtley claimed two wickets in the morning session as Nottinghamshire, needing 470 to avoid the follow-on, reached 186-4.

Mushtaq Ahmed struck first on day three of the championship match at Horsham, trapping Welton leg before in the eighth over as he went back to a ball that hurried on.

Welton had completed his half century off 77 balls with eight fours and a six and his overnight partner, Usman Afzaal, began in positive style by hoisting Mushtaq for six over long on.

Bicknell batted with skipper Jason Gallian as his runner and Kirtley began with two maidens after replacing Billy Taylor at the Railway End.

Bicknell looked troubled by his injury as he reached nine before Kirtley, working up a fiery pace, pinned him in front with a lightning delivery to make Notts 126-3.

Kirtley struck again when Afzaal was caught behind for 35 by substitute wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose, beaten for pace by a ball which did just enough off the seam to take the edge.

Ambrose had replaced Prior who turned his ankle during the warm down at close of play yesterday.

Notts: 186 for 4 (54 overs)

Sussex: 619 for 7 dec (1st innings)