Murray Goodwin will continue to open the batting for Sussex despite his disappointing Championship form.

The Zimbabwean's last four Championship knocks have yielded just 15 runs and he was out for four in the second innings at Hove yesterday when Sussex had to follow on against Warwickshire.

Goodwin has experience of opening in one-day cricket and said he was happy to move up from his normal position at No.4 to partner Richard Montgomerie.

But since making 94 and an unbeaten 42 against Worcestershire last month his scores have been 9, 2, 0 and 4.

Coach Peter Moores said: "I've had no indication from Murray to say that he's not happy opening and I don't really want to make a drama because of what has happened to him against Warwickshire. He's missed out, but that happens to everyone."

The county are heading for their first Championship defeat of the season against Warwickshire after ending the third day 197-6 But Sussex are likely to resist the temptation to make panic changes for Wednesday's game against Hampshire at West End. Tony Cottey tested his fitness by playing league cricket at home in Swansea on Saturday and a second cortisone injection seems to have cured his tennis elbow.

Cottey is likely to play for the second team against Leicestershire at Hastings, starting on Wednesday.