Sussex suffered a disastrous opening day in their County Championship clash with Northamptonshire at Arundel Castle.

After the first session was rained off Sussex’s top order were swept away by Pakistani seamer Azharulla as they were bowled out for 178.

Only Chris Nash provided any real resistance as he made 75 while Azharulla finished with figures of 6-68 before Northants reached the close on 43-1.

Sussex had made a bright start after Northants plumped for an uncontested toss and decided to bowl first on a wicket which had sweated under the covers.

Nash played positively from the start but having put on 42 for the opening wicket with Ed Joyce started to see partners come and go.

Joyce was bowled by an inswinger from Azharulla for ten and then the veteran Pakistani removed Luke Wells and Harry Finch in consecutive balls.

Nash raced to his 50 from 53 balls but then saw Luke Wright trapped lbw by Azharulla for 14.

Things unravelled after tea as Sussex lost six wickets for 45 runs in the space of 18 overs.

Matt Machan was caught behind for 30 off Azharulla who was still on for all ten wickets when Ben Brown departed in the same fashion for four.

Ben Sanderson spoiled Azharulla’s hopes as he had Ollie Robinson caught at extra cover before Nash edged behind having made an excellent 75.

Steve Magoffin lasted just 12 balls before he became wicketkeeper David Murphy’s fifth victim with Ajmal Shahzad the final man to fall for 20.

Sussex needed quick wickets to drag themselves back into the game but only managed one as Robinson bowled Rob Newton for a 24-ball duck.

As the clock ticked towards 8pm the umpires finally took the players off for bad light with Northants well on top on 43-1.