Sussex’s hopes of pushing for a third win of the season were frustrated by a combination of the rain and Scott Borthwick on the third day of their County Championship clash with Durham at Hove.

Heavy showers throughout the day meant just 45 overs were possible with Borthwick and Kumar Sangakkara leading Durham to 137-2 when play was abandoned for the day.

That leaves them still trailing by 368 after Sussex declared their first innings in the morning on 505-9 but a draw now looks the most likely outcome on a docile wicket.

Sussex were given early hope when James Anyon struck with his first ball – the seventh of the day – to remove Mark Stoneman for one.

When Keaton Jennings was run out for 13 by Luke Wright soon afterwards following a dreadful mix-up with Borthwick Durham were in a spot of bother on 34-2.

But Borthwick made amends for his part in Jennings’ dismissal by putting on 103 with Sangakkara and will resume on 84 in the morning.

He reached his third first class 50 of the season off 80 balls, including a pulled six off Anyon which ended up in the top tier of the pavilion.

Sangakkara has been more watchful at the other end and has faced 80 deliveries for his 30. The Sri Lanka batsman was also put down twice by Mike Yardy and Ed Joyce in the slips.