Sussex endured a frustrating start to the County Championship season in their opening division two game at Northamptonshire.
After losing skipper Luke Wright and batsman Chris Nash to injuries they were unable to take a wicket before lunch at Wantage Road.
Vice-captain Ben Brown opted to put Northants in under the new ECB rules and saw Ben Duckett and Jake Libby put on an unbroken stand of 123.
Libby had one reprieve on 12 when he was badly put down by debutant Ross Taylor at first slip off the bowling of Ajmal Shahzad.
The on-loan Nottinghamshire batsman made the most of the let-off as he reached lunch unbeaten on 39 while Duckett dominated their partnership with 83 not out.
Duckett survived a few edges over slips early in his innings but went on to reach his half century off just 60 balls, including ten fours, before smashing spinner Danny Briggs for a six over long on.
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