Sussex lost five wickets as Leicestershire fought back in the second session of their Specsavers County Championship division two clash.

Tom Haines reached his fifty when he guided Mohammad Abbas to the third man boundary for his tenth four. It was also his last. On 56, aiming to drive square, he was caught by Ben Raine at third man and Sussex were 126-2 in the 37th over.

Wells looked comfortable in his unfamiliar No 3 slot and advanced down the wicket to drive spinner Callum Parkinson back over his head for a flat six. But Leicestershire’s spirited attack broke through again at 140 when Harry Finch was lbw to Raine for four.

Wells reached his fifty from 96 balls, with four fours and a six. But he was fourth out at 188 when he pushed forward to Neil Dexter and was caught behind.

Luke Wright, driving powerfully, looked in the mood to make up for his pair in his last outing. There were four fours in his aggressive 27 but then he was bowled attempting to pull a ball that kept low. When David Wiese was well caught in the gully for a second ball duck Sussex were 204-6 and had thrown away their early advantage.