Ishant Sharma has completed his maiden first-class 50 - in just his second match for Sussex.

Eighth wicket pair Sharma and Michael Burgess batted through the morning session without being parted as Sussex extended their first innings to 358-7 against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.

India Test bowler Sharma left his previous career best score of 31 well behind as he and Burgess batted without real alarm on a very good pitch in bright sunshine.

Burgess, who began his career at Leicestershire, was first to his 50, twice hitting left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson over midwicket for six as he sought to accelerate the scoring rate.

Sharma, who has played 81 Tests and 80 one day internationals for his country, clearly relished his battle with Leicestershire’s own international bowler Mohammad Abbas.

The Pakistan seamer was convinced he had Sharma leg before on 34, but other than that neither batsman gave a chance as the partnership passed three figures.