Sussex let Warwickshire off the hook on the third morning of their County Championship clash at Horsham.

Having put down two chances the previous evening Sussex’s fielding problems cost them dearly once again as they dropped five catches and also missed a stumping.

Jonathan Trott went on to make his first century since suffering a stress-related illness in the winter – and his sixth against Sussex - after Luke Wright failed to take a tough chance when he was on 95.

Trott was also spilled by Steffan Piolet at third slip but his luck ran out just before lunch as he was caught behind off the bowling of Steve Magoffin for 106.

Rikki Clarke was the major beneficiary of Sussex’s sloppiness in the field as he was given reprieves on 16 (missed stumping), 16 (drop by Luke Wells), 18 (drop by Chris Jordan) and 20 (edge between second and third slip).

Clarke remained unbeaten at lunch on 24 with Warwickshire having gone from 163-3 overnight to 247-6, still trailing by 166.

It was still a good morning for Sussex but could have been so much better if they had taken their chances.

James Tredwell had Sam Hain caught at first slip by Jordan for ten in the fifth over of the day while Tim Ambrose made just six before he chopped a short ball from Jordan on to his stumps.