SUSSEX lost vital wickets as Kent continued their ascendency at Canterbury where, on day three of their Specsavers County Championship division two clash, the visitors went in at tea on 100-4.

Needing 270 for victory after finally dismissing Kent for 235 in their second innings, Sussex lost four wickets in the mid-session with the prolific Matt Henry claiming two to take his season’s tally to 33.

The Kiwi paceman had Phil Salt caught on the drive at mid-off and then went around the wicket to pluck out the off stump of left-hander Luke Wells with a full, off-cutter that made it 30 for two.

Stiaan van Zyl (38) mounted a partial recovery before he feathered an Ivan Thomas lifter through to the keeper, then Harry Finch steered one from Calum Haggett to second slip to leave Sussex with a mountain to climb.