Danny Briggs took three wickets in five balls to revive Sussex hopes at Hove this afternoon.

The match against Middlesex appeared to be dozing off in the mid-afternoon sunshine.

Briggs and fellow spinner Luke Wells were in charge of the bowling while Sussex ticked down the overs to the new ball. There seemed little likelihood of a breakthrough as Dawid Malan and Nick Gubbins each scored centuries and put on 234 for the third wicket.

But then Briggs had Gubbins (107) caught low down at short leg by Phil Salt.

And Briggs struck twice in his next over when first Malan (119) was stumped as he walked down the wicket and then Hilton Cartwright edged to Harry Finch at first slip.

Sussex took the new ball just before tea and gave it to slow left-armer Briggs.

At the break Middlesex were 280-5.