Phil Salt has revealed the hard work behind the second string to his T20 bow.

The big-hitting Sussex opener hopes to add another big score to his Vitality Blast tally when Middlesex visit tonight (7pm).

He will also be happy to grab the chance should another steepling catch head his way out on the boundary in front of another sell-out Hove crowd.

Salt fired Sussex to a big win over Glamorgan on Tuesday with a brisk 78 not out as they took top spot in the South Group.

He also played his part in an effective bowling and fielding display with three catches.

Salt’s grabs in the deep, often running into position and diving to hold the chance, are becoming part of a Sharks T20 night.

He said it is an area he has been working on just as much as his batting as he aims to be world class.

Salt told The Argus: “I have definitely upped the work-rate.

“That is something I have been doing over the past 13 months or so.

“I have constantly been re-assessing where I am with my game and seeing what I need to make a jump to be in that bracket with the best in the world.

“I have come across these guys this winter and played with them.

“I guess those are the guys that I am constantly judging myself against.”

Salt as worked hard with Chris Jordan to try and simulate match-type conditions during training sessions.

He said: “What is tough is to get the ball characteristics you get in a game.

“You will go and stand out on the boundary and someone will get a bat and a ball.

“They will hit you catches from 70 or 80 metres but it’s not actually the same sort of thing, “It is really important to get the same sort of length and get the balls dropping where they would in games.

“That is something myself and CJ are working really hard on.

“It’s game-sharpness, when you get catches that drop short or are going over your head near the rope.

“The first couple of steps are crucial.

“As soon as the ball goes up or hits the bat, you have got to pick the landing zone.”

Salt said the transition from daytime practice to catching under floodlights in a game was not an issue.

He added: “A few months ago I would have thought it would have been different but it is sort of becoming second nature.”

Having struggled at Hove, Sussex have now won five and tied one of their last six home T20 games, including the end of last season.

Salt, who has made unbeaten scores of 78 and 63 in his last two home games, said: “I love playing T20.

“It is certainly my favourite format.

“To be playing well in a team of such good lads is something I really relish.”