Coach Peter Moores praised his bowlers after they led a Sussex fightback on the first day of the Championship match against Kent at Hove.

The county were bowled out for 279 after being put in before reducing the Kent reply to 29-3. Matthew Walker and Greg Blewett then steadied the visitors in an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 52 which took them to 81-3 at stumps.

Moores said: "I was pleased with the way we bowled, we showed a lot of discipline.

"We knew there would be a bit in the wicket and I thought we stuck at our task really well. If we can get a couple of early wickets today then we might be slightly on top, but like the Middlesex game last week it's got the makings of another good scrap.

"There is a lot of confidence in the dressing room. We believe we have good players and can put any side under pressure, but we need a win."

Earlier, 180 of Sussex's runs had come in boundaries as they scored at nearly four an over. But only Chris Adams (54) made the most of a good start as Kent's new signing Alamgir Sheriyar took 5-65.

Moores added: "We have got a lot of people playing really well, but we batted a bit frantically yesterday. We want to play aggressive cricket but you have to get the balance right.

"That means good shot selection, knowing when to attack and recognising when someone is bowling a good spell which you have to see off before hopefully cashing in later on."