Stand-in skipper Chris Nash was left baffled as controversy struck at Hove today.

Nash appeared to be seeking clarification after a Worcestershire batsman was handed a reprieve, a decision which brought boos from some spectators.

Brett D’Oliveira, dropped earlier on 54, was on 70 when umpire Steve Garratt upheld Vernon Philander’s lbw appeal from a ball which kept low.

The batsman indicated that he had hit the ball first but was on his way back to the pavilion when he was recalled, after Garratt had consulted with colleague Neil Mallender.

Nash, captaining the side after Luke Wright resigned, was then involved in animated debate with Garratt while spectators were left confused by events.

D’Oliveira went on to make 80 before he was caught on the mid-wicket boundary, the second of two wickets in three overs for David Wiese.

Wiese had earlier snared Daryl Mitchell, who mis-timed a hook to long leg after making 121 from 211 balls, with 20 fours and a six. The opening stand of 215 was a new first-wicket record for Worcestershire against Sussex.

The hosts broke through again just before lunch when Tom Fell (6) pushed forward to van Zyl’s medium pace and was taken at slip by Chris Jordan. Worcestershire are 228-3 at lunch, still 351 behind.