Ian Salisbury says absences caught up with Sussex as they suffered a heavy defeat.

The county went down by an innings and 34 runs to Worcestershire at New Road.

They lost 15 wickets on the third day and, despite a first innings century from Cheteshwar Pujara and a half century from loanee Grant Stewart, they crumbled to a crushing setback.

Then came another blow with fast bowler Stewart, who looked promising on his debut on loan from Kent, recalled by his parent club.

Head coach Salisbury said: “First of all, well played to Worcestershire. We knew it was going to be a struggle when we had seven front-line bowlers out.

“It was always going to be a tough ask. The reality is 491 (by Worcestershire) in the first innings was too many runs.

“The spirit is good but there are things out of your hands. It is frustrating trying to get a side together and I think it can take its toll on our batters.

“Two of our batters have had to bowl quite a few overs and Mohammad Rizwan has come over and done 150 overs two games in a row (behind the stumps), a lot even for someone of his class.

“I don’t look for excuses but as things stand at the moment, anyone trying to put together a side in my side would find it very difficult at present.”

Salisbury confirmed Kent have recalled Grant Stewart from his loan spell at Hove.