Sussex's proud unbeaten home record in the Championship, which stretches back to 2004, is in jeopardy after Durham took control on the second day at Hove.

They took a useful first innings lead of 87 after being bowled out for 301 and then reduced Sussex to 15-2 in their second innings with both openers Chris Nash (1) and Carl Hopkinson (6) dismissed cheaply.

The day had begun well for Sussex with Corey Collymore removing Neil McKenzie in the second over to reduce Durham to 11-4.

But the visitors were pulled round in a punishing fifth-wicket stand of 205 in 49 overs between skipper Dale Benkenstein and Will Smith.

Both made centuries with Benkenstein scoring 110 and Smith 107 before both fell to Mushtaq Ahmed, who claimed the 1,400th first-class wicket of his career when he trapped Benkenstein lbw.

Jason Lewry took three wickets in 10 balls but brothers Ben and Steve Harmison put on 34 for the last wicket to earn Durham a third batting point.

Collymore and Lewry both finished with four wickets.

Sussex will resume tomorrow still 71 runs behind.