Sussex must pull off a record run-chase if they are to avoid defeat to Championship leaders Durham at Arundel Castle.

Durham were eventually bowled out for 413 in the afternoon on day three, setting Sussex a mammoth target of 514 for victory.

That would eclipse the 455 they made to beat Gloucestershire in division two at Hove back in 2000 when Tony Cottey made a century.

Sussex made a solid enough start as they reached tea on 51-0 with Mike Yardy 24 not out and Luke Wells unbeaten on 23.

Ed Joyce’s men will also be encouraged by a pitch which appears to have flattened out slightly and enabled Durham to add 241 runs in 50 overs today.

Gordon Muchall completed his century in the morning but it was John Hastings that gave the innings impetus after lunch.

The Australian smashed 91 from 72 balls – including five sixes – and it appeared that Durham were delaying any declaration to give him the chance of making a first hundred for the county.

On-loan Surrey seamer Tim Linley ensured it didn’t happen, however, when he bowled Hastings to pick up a third wicket in the innings and eighth of the match.

Paul Coughlin also made 64 in a partnership of 116 with Muchall until he became Steve Magoffin’s fifth victim with the new ball.

Sussex were left with 11 overs to survive before tea and achieved it with few alarms against new ball pair Chris Rushworth and Graham Onions.

In total they have 139 overs to reach their target of 514 – at less than four runs an over – for what would be an historic victory.