Coach Mark Robinson defended Sussex’s tactics as they had to settle for a draw at Taunton yesterday.

Skipper Ed Joyce waited until just after lunch to declare on 490-4 – a lead of 424 – and give themselves 68 overs to try to bowl Somerset out.

A precious Championship victory looked a possibility when they reduced Somerset to 84-5 but the hosts dug in to finish on 208-6 and extend Sussex’s winless run in division one to five games.

Robinson said: “The timing of our declaration was a difficult decision. Our batsmen said it was an easier wicket to attack on than to defend on so we had to take that into consideration.

“We were also very conscious there have been some big run-chases on the final day at Taunton this season.

“The wicket flattened out on the last two days and the fact we scored our runs at five an over in the second innings shows what was possible.

“You always wonder whether half an hour here or half an hour there would have made a difference but we back the captain’s decision.

“There was also some weather in the game so if we had had the full quota of overs you never know what might have been the outcome.”

Sussex have won just once in their last eight games to slip to seventh in the table and Worcestershire could pull level on points with them today if they complete victory over fellow strugglers Hampshire.

Despite picking up just nine points against Somerset, Robinson was encouraged by the performance at Taunton which featured a record third wicket stand against Somerset of 290 between centurions Matt Machan and Chris Nash.

Robinson added: “We have had a tough time with injuries over the last few months but we have got a little bit of momentum back following the performance here and at Edgbaston last week.

“We know we are a little bit vulnerable in terms of our position in the table but apart from Yorkshire, who are the outstanding team in the division, anyone can beat anyone so things can change very quickly.”