Mark Pettini and Niall O’Brien piled on the pain for Sussex on the third morning of their County Championship clash with Leicestershire at Hove.

The pair both completed half centuries as they steered Leicestershire to 400-4 at lunch, an already imposing first innings lead of 237.

Pettini (87no) moved from 42 not out overnight to reach his 50 from 83 balls with six fours while O’Brien (52no) brought up his half century from 106 deliveries.

The duo have put on 130 for the fifth wicket so far as Leicestershire push to bat Sussex completely out of the game.

Sussex’s bowlers were unable to create any chances despite beginning the morning with a ball that was only 1.2 overs old.

Their only success was preventing Leicestershire claiming maximum batting points while they had to settle for a solitary bowling point.