Captain Ed Joyce completed his sixth Championship century of the season as Sussex closed in on Lancashire’s first innings total on the second day at Hove.

Joyce reached tea unbeaten on 117 having featured in good partnerships with Chris Nash and Craig Cachopa to guide Sussex to 238-2.

The Ireland international reached the 38th first class ton of his career from 144 balls with 15 fours and will be looking to take Sussex past Lancashire’s score of 320 in the evening session.

Joyce put on 156 with Nash who was furious at giving away his wicket on 67 when he drove Simon Kerrigan straight to the fielder at mid-on.

Cachopa continued his impressive start to his Sussex career by adding 81 for the third wicket with Joyce and will resume on 44 after tea.

Sussex will be delighted with their recovery after losing the wicket of Luke Wells in the first over of the day.

The left-hander edged James Anderson’s third ball to Jos Buttler to continue his disappointing run of form this season.

Anderson should have had a second wicket when Buttler put down a regulation chance when Joyce was still in single figures.

That proved decisive as Joyce went on to reach 1,000 Championship runs for the season and pass 15,000 for his career.