Murray Goodwin believes more consistent performances from him and his fellow batsmen are the key to Sussex's hopes of turning their season around.

Goodwin, 35, has scored 545 Championship runs at an average of 45.41, a record bettered only by Matt Prior (679 at 61.72).

But no one else is averaging more than 35 while Goodwin and Prior are the only players to score hundreds in eight games so far.

The champions could be bottom of the first division by the time they return to action on Wednesday week against Hampshire if other results this weekend go against them.

Goodwin said: "In the past we haven't had to perform as well as other teams because our bowlers have won us games and pulled us out of the mire.

"That is not happening at the moment so as batsmen we have to step up and turn those starts - the 20s and 30s - into big scores.

"Hundreds put you in a more comfortable position and put the opposition under pressure and that's what we need more of."

Sussex have won just four games in all competitions this season and the squad were back in training today after a few days off.

Sussex's Second XI Trophy game against Surrey at Dulwich College yesterday was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.

What do you think of Goodwin's comments?