Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott enjoyed another profitable day against Sussex to put second division leaders Warwickshire in a strong position after day one of their Specsavers County Championship match at Hove.

Bell scored his fifth Championship hundred against the county and Trott is in sight of his sixth against Sussex in his final away game before retirement.

Together they helped Warwickshire reach 308-2 at stumps.

Bell will resume on 108 and Trott 86 after they shared 206 in 68 overs for the third wicket.

A draw would seal an immediate return to the top flight with a game to spare for Warwickshire but Sussex's own promotion hopes appear to be fading fast.

It was a tough day for Sussex, who need to win this game and beat Northamptonshire next week to have any chance of sneaking into the top two.