Chris Nash hailed Murray Goodwin as a “legend” after he made an unbeaten half century in his final innings at Hove.

Goodwin shared in an unbroken partnership of 139 with Nash yesterday to put Sussex in command of their County Championship clash with Somerset.

Nash made his third first class century of the season but his innings was overshadowed by Goodwin, who will leave the county after 12 seasons at the end of the summer.

Goodwin, right, will resume this morning on 51 and Nash admits it would be a fairytale ending if he could complete a 49th century for Sussex.

Nash said: “We had a feeling Murray would come good in this game and I hope he goes on to make a century because he deserves it. No one has contributed more to the success of the team over the past 12 years than him.

“It was gut-wrenching when I was told Murray wouldn’t be staying next year. He has won us game after game after game and the club owes him so much.

“I owe him a lot personally as he has helped my career and I am sure there are plenty of players who would say the same.

“I’ve batted with him countless times here over the years and it felt like the old days again.”

Sussex reached 186-2, a lead of 273, but their hopes of lifting the title are likely to end today with Warwickshire closing in on the victory at Worcestershire.