A superb slip catch by Tim Ambrose lifted Sussex spirits on the second day of the Championship match against Lancashire at Hove today.

Ambrose dived to his right to cling on to a difficult chance when Mark Chilton drove outside off stump at Kevin Innes after making 44 in a second wicket stand of 71 with David Byas.

It was the only success the county enjoyed in the first 90 minutes as Lancashire reached 182-3, just 58 behind Sussex's first innings 240.

Byas scored his first half century since May and, ominously for Sussex, skipper Stuart Law was starting to find his touch after a scratchy start.

Innes opened the bowling with James Kirtley and they restricted Lancashire's run scoring opportunities in an enthralling first hour.

Batsmen found timing their strokes difficult on a slow pitch and there was increasing evidence of uneven bounce, particularly at the Sea End.

Kirtley again bowled without luck in the first hour, letting out an anguished cry of frustration when a mis-timed drive from Law dropped just short of mid off.

Chris Adams made a double change, replacing Kirtley with Robin Martin-Jenkins in the 44th over before Innes gave way to Jason Lewry.

The left-armer's seven overs yesterday cost 52 including eight wides and three no balls and coach Peter Moores spent 30 minutes working with him after play had ended yesterday.

"Bowlers are like batsmen, they need rhythm and he (Lewry) just couldn't get his and when that happens you lose confidence," said Moores.

"He is desperately keen to do well and perhaps he was trying too hard which can happen when you miss a game and you come back with a point to prove."