Chris Adams today urged his side to follow the lead shown by in-form Richard Montgomerie.

While most of Sussex's key batsmen have struggled for runs this season, opener Montgomerie has already lodged three hundreds.

He will be aiming for a third successive century in the FP Trophy when the holders meet Glamorgan Dragons in a day-nighter at Hove today (2.30pm).

Montgomerie followed up his 125 in the win over Somerset a fortnight ago with 100 in a losing cause against Gloucestershire on Monday. He has also made Sussex's only Championship century so far against Kent.

Adams said: "Richard seems to have really freed himself up this season and it's great to see.

"Even in the two Championship games where he didn't score many runs he was looking to play positively.

"He seems nice and relaxed and in the two one-dayers so far he has done a fantastic job anchoring the innings.

"It's not been a great start to the season for us but in terms of effort and commitment I don't think the squad can do anymore.

"I will defend the guys to the hilt because they are working their backsides off.

"If anything, they are perhaps guilty of trying too hard instead of enjoying themselves and having the confidence to play with freedom like Monty.

"The game is really testing us at the moment and when that happens you sometimes question your own methods - we've all been there as players.

"And when you lose five key personnel to injury as we have done it is going to hurt you."

The holders need to beat a Glamorgan side beaten in their first two games to stay on course for the semi-finals, which have been introduced this season after complaints that last year's competition contained too many dead games in the latter stages of the group stage.

Montgomerie thinks Sussex will need to win five matches to secure their place in the last four - and he is confident they can do it.

He said: "If we'd beaten Gloucestershire it would have been two out of two with a game against Glamorgan which we are definitely targetting.

"You need to win five to get into the semis and that is definitely within our range with the players we have and those who are on their way back.

"People are going to come into form, they are too good not to."

Adams should be fit after missing Monday's match because of a virus but Rana Naved (groin), Jason Lewry (hip) and Mike Yardy (broken finger) are definitely out.

All-rounder Luke Wright confirmed his recovery from a rib injury with 93 in the friendly against Cardiff UCCE on Tuesday and has been added to the squad.