Run-machine Michael Bevan believes Sussex can maintain their Championship promotion challenge without him for the next three weeks.

Bevan scored his fourth century in his last five innings against Middlesex yesterday, making an unbeaten 173 as Sussex went top of the second division after a seven-wicket win.

But the county will have to do without him for the next three games while he plays for Australia in a one-day indoor series against South Africa in Melbourne.

"We're playing good cricket as a side at the moment and I don't think I will be missed too much," he said.

"It's an opportunity for one of the younger guys to come in and gain some experience.

"Most of our batsmen are starting to hit the ball well at the moment and if a couple of them get hundreds then I'm sure we'll be able to stay near the top of the table even though I won't be here to help."

Bevan is due to back on August 22, the day Sussex start a match against Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay.

But Bevan says it is almost certain that he won't be in a fit state to play which would mean he misses three Championship games in total including home and away fixtures against Northamptonshire as well as two National League matches.

"I get back on the 22nd but at this stage I don't think I will be playing against Glamorgan," he added.

"To expect me to play after a long flight and three games in five days is not in the best interests of me or the team.

"I like to give my best in every game and I don't think I would be able to after that schedule."

Sussex, resuming on 118-3 yesterday, didn't lose another wicket in pursuit of a victory target of 268 as Bevan and nightwatchman James Kirtley put together an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 166 with Kirtley's 26 not out his highest score of the season.

"James is a really good nightwatchman," added Bevan.

"He believes in his own ability and to go out there and play Phil Tufnell so well on a pitch that was turning a bit was a great effort.

"From a personal point of view it was one of the most pleasing innings I've played for Sussex.

"It is difficult when you have to chase a target to win a game and there was some help for the spinners, but I've been pleased with the way I've been hitting the ball in the last few weeks."

Delighted skipper Chris Adams said: "All the spotlight will be on Bev and rightly so, but I was proud of the whole side's performance.

"I asked them to give a bit more in terms of energy and committment because I knew that this was a very important game for us and they responded superbly."