England captain Alastair Cook has frustrated Sussex’s bid to pick up their first County Championship win of the season.

Cook made the most of being dropped by Danny Briggs when he had made just one to reach tea unbeaten on 84.

The left-hander’s innings helped Essex recover from a precarious position at 128-4 to 172-4 chasing 329 to win at Hove.

It means Essex require a further 157 from a minimum of 32 overs in the final session to record their second division two victory of the summer.

The visitors have shown few signs of going for the win, however, with Cook and Jesse Ryder battening down the hatches following the dismissal of Dan Lawrence who was lbw to Ajmal Shahzad for 22.

The pair have put on 44 so far for the fifth wicket from 98 balls and unless Sussex can pick up quick wickets after tea a draw looks certain.