Chris Nash completed his second century of the season to underpin Sussex’s bid to avoid defeat against Leicestershire at Hove.

Nash reached tea unbeaten on 112 to guide Sussex to 296-3, just 14 runs short of making Leicestershire bat again.

The opener put on 93 for the third wicket with Ross Taylor before the New Zealand international was trapped lbw by Clint McKay for 62 – his maiden half century in the County Championship.

That was the only wicket to fall in the afternoon session although Taylor had been dropped earlier on 21 by Paul Horton at first slip.

Nash abandoned his usual attacking instincts to make just 29 runs between lunch and tea, bringing up his 21st first class century from 257 balls.

Luke Wells has offered good support with an unbeaten 23 to frustrate Leicestershire’s hopes of pushing for victory.