Luke Wells stood firm as Sussex made inroads into what would be a record-breaking run-chase against Durham at Arundel.

Wells made his second Championship half century of the season to help guide Sussex to 114-2 at the end of the third day.

The left-hander’s innings held up Durham’s pursuit of victory after they had made 413 in their second innings to set Sussex a target of 514 for victory.

That would eclipse the county’s previous highest run-chase of 455 against Gloucestershire at Hove in 1999.

Durham remain strong favourites to consolidate their position at the top of division one despite the pitch at Arundel flattening out considerably compared to the opening two days.

Durham had resumed on 168-6 in the morning but added 245 runs in 50 overs thanks to a century from Gordon Muchall and a quickfire 91 by John Hastings.

Muchall put on a partnership of 116 with Paul Coughlin (64) for the seventh wicket before being trapped lbw by Luke Wells.

Hastings was approaching his first Championship century when was last man out to give Tim Linley his third wicket of the innings and eighth of the match.

Mike Yardy and Wells made a positive start in pursuit of such a daunting total with their partnership of 60 the highest for the first wicket this season.

Yardy fell for 28 when he was caught behind off Coughlin and Sussex’s hopes suffered a further blow when Matt Machan was dismissed in similar fashion by Hastings for 24.

Wells dug in to reach his half century from 127 balls and finished unbeaten on 53 while Ed Joyce is five not out.