Matt Machan gave Sussex supporters a treat on the opening morning of the first Championship match of the season at Hove.

Machan smashed an unbeaten 87 off just 62 balls to help guide Sussex to 153-1 at lunch against Worcestershire.

The left-hander was intent on making the most of an unexpected opportunity created by the absence of Chris Nash and Mike Yardy through injury and illness respectively.

The Scotland international came in at No.3 after six overs when Luke Wells was caught in the gully off the bowling of Gareth Andrew for just nine.

He brought up his half century off just 27 balls when he lifted Jack Shantry for six, the second time he had hit the left-armer for a maximum.

Machan looked on course to reach a century before lunch only to slow down in the last 20 minutes with the milestone in sight.

He contributed 81 out of a century partnership with Ed Joyce – who was unbeaten on 44 at lunch – and hit a third six off off Sachithra Senanayake.