Chris Nash says Luke Wright is “happy as Larry” after stepping down as Sussex skipper.

But the opener is non-committal as to whether he wants to replace him full-time.

Nash is in charge for two Championship fixtures after Wright took the bold decision to step down.

Wright reached an untroubled 27 not out at Hove yesterday in his first knock since telling coach Mark Davis and team mates he no longer wanted to be captain.

He helped Luke Wells (139 not out), Harry Finch (82) and Stiaan van Zyl (54) bat Sussex into a strong position at 339-3 on day one of their Championship match against unbeaten Worcestershire.

Nash, who is close friends with Wright, said: “I think the shackles had been lifted and he was back to his normal self.

“We just take the Mickey out of each other. That’s the only way around things in county cricket.

“We talk about things and we bounce things off each other.

“He is happy as Larry and I think he is looking forward to going out and getting a big one (today).”

Nash was happy to take charge at short notice.

Vice-captain Ben Brown is due back soon after a broken finger.

Nash joked: “I think if I win, I keep it and if I lose, I get the sack!

“We will wait and see. We’ve got two games until Browny comes back.

“I’m just happy to do these two games and see where we get to.”