Openers Chris Nash and Luke Wells both made half centuries as Sussex’s clash with Nottinghamshire moved towards an inevitable draw.

With rain washing out the morning session it meant Sussex were never likely to chase the 405 runs they required to win.

They still needed to survive 72 overs to avoid defeat but Nash and Wells set about their task confidently.

Nash passed 8,000 first class runs when he reached 39 and Wells recorded his own milestone of 3,000 runs when he got to 45, although he was fortunate to be dropped by Phil Jacques the ball before off Samit Patel.

Wells was the first to reach his half century, coming off 80 balls with six fours, with Nash following him soon after from four more deliveries and the same number of boundaries.

The pair were otherwise untroubled as Sussex went in at tea on 146-0.