Chris Adams is on course to face the MCC in Sussex's prestigious pre-season game next week.

The county's skipper had his first net on grass yesterday as he steps up his recovery following an elbow operation in mid-January.

Adams was told by surgeons that he would be out for three months, putting his participation in Sussex's Championship opener against Surrey on April 16 at the Oval in doubt.

But his recovery is ahead of schedule, according to Director of Cricket Peter Moores.

"Chris had his first outdoor practice yesterday and came through really well," said Moores.

"He wants to play in the MCC game and there is even a chance he could get a run-out before then. Chris is chomping at the bit to play, but we've still got to be very careful not to rush things."

Moores praised the growing maturity of Tim Ambrose after the wicketkeeper-batsman scored Sussex's first hundred of the season on the second day of the friendly against Nottinghamshire at Hove yesterday.

Ambrose hit 21 fours in his 119, helping Kevin Innes put on 124 for the sixth wicket before Sussex declared their first innings on 345-8.

Nottinghamshire were 184-3 in their second innings at the close after Russell Warren, who took a hundred off the county in the Championship at Trent Bridge last season, made a whirlwind 107 not out.

Ambrose had a let off on 80 when he was dropped in the gully of Charlie Schreck and he eventually fell to slow left-armer Samit Patel.

Moores said: "Tim played really well. What I like about him is that he's very quiet at the crease. He plays and organises himself like an older, more experienced player would do. He's improving all the time."

Innes made 55 off 111 balls and youngsters Carl Hopkinson and debutant Luke Wright put on 65 in 14 overs before the declaration.

Mohammad Akram struck with the fourth delivery of the reply when he bowled Anurag Singh, Nottinghamshire's winter signing from Worcestershire.

But Warren and Jason Gallian added 149 in 20 overs, Warren going to his hundred off just 83 balls with five sixes and 13 fours.

Ambrose missed today's one-dayer between the sides while he nursed a slight thigh strain while Jason Lewry (sore side) isn't expected to have his first run-out until Friday's two-day match against Worcestershire at Hove.

But Tony Cottey, who had to return to Wales after a family bereavement, is due to play his first match of the season.

Meanwhile, the four-day game against MCC will be a first-class fixture. The MCC side will be made up predominantly of England Academy players and will be coached by Academy Director Rod Marsh. It starts at Lord's on Good Friday, April 9.