Chris Nash stood firm for Sussex as wickets fell around him on the opening day of their Championship clash with Northamptonshire at Arundel.

After the morning session was washed out by rain Nash reached tea unbeaten on 71 to help Sussex recover to 127-4.

The opener put on 40 with Matt Machan who is 24 not out to steady the ship following an incisive spell from Azharullah.

Azharullah bowled Ed Joyce with an inswinging delivery for ten after Northants had put Sussex in to bat having turned down the toss.

He then picked up the wickets of Luke Wells and Harry Finch with successive balls to leave Sussex wobbling on 56-3 and also trapped skipper Luke Wright lbw for 14.