Sussex have prepared their batsmen for the long haul - and Tom Haines made sure it paid off today.

They have been facing 270 deliveries in long training days.

The aim is to get them used to batting through a full day.

Haines, who made 106 and 72 in friendlies, opened at Old Trafford as Sussex began their season against Lancashire today and reached the third first-class century of his career.

It came off 177 balls and included 16 fours.

He was 103 not out out of 162-6.

Sussex coach Ian Salisbury said: “We spoke in appraisals during the winter, particularly with Tom, that we don’t want it to be a mistake if you score 100 on the first day in the Championship.

 

 

“That means you have to face lots and lots of balls during the winter.

“He has upped his training ten-fold and is hopefully starting to reap the rewards.

“If you want to bat all day you’ve probably got to face 90 balls three times.

“You can’t just have half an hour in the nets three times a week and expect to score 100 or bat all the first day of a Championship game.

SUSSEX RELISH NEW SEASON AND NEW FORMAT

“It’s just going back to the old school. If you want to bat all day you are going to face 270 balls and it’s doing it on a regular basis.”