Tom Haines has explained how he challenged Sussex to battle through adversity as they started their new season.

The county made 302-6 on day one after being put in by much-fancied Nottinghamshire at Hove.

That was despite missing a handful of players through injury, illness or visa complications.

Skipper Haines, who was disappointed to get out for 59, revealed: “We said in the morning huddle that we needed to just really fight.

“We can’t control the injuries and the visa.

“The players who come in for those have to show why they are good enough as well.

“They did that. I was really pleased with day overall.”

Tom Clark was 82 not out overnight, a career best score.

Haines would love to see him go on to three figures.

He said: “Tom batted beautifully. He has been scoring runs in pre-season.

“He is an extremely talented batsman.

“He is just getting his game together and you saw how skilful he is.

“He is going to be an extremely important batter for us in the coming years in the middle order.

“He is a young lad and he has not had a lot of cricket “He is maturing nicely and he is learning how to build innings and score runs.

“Hopefully he can get to that score.”

Ali Orr (68) helped Haines put on 110 for the first wicket, which did not fall until after lunch.

Haines said: “We would have bowled because there was a bit of dampness around.

SUSSEX AIM TO RETURN TO THE TOP

“We worked hard in the first session to get through the new ball and overall I think it was a good day for us.

“The wicket did a little bit but I thought Ali, who loves getting into the battle, and myself set up the day nicely for guys like Tom Clark and Delray (Rawlins, 49) to come in and give us a good platform.”