Warren thwarts Sussex's bid for victory

Frizzell County Championship Division One
Table

Nottinghamshire 296 and 291 for 4 dec drew with Sussex 497 for 6 dec at Trent Bridge
Scorecard
Sussex's hopes of overtaking Surrey at the top of the first division were dashed by a dogged unbeaten 114 from Russell Warren as Nottinghamshire held on for a draw at Trent Bridge.

Sussex began the day well, taking the last three Nottinghamshire wickets for the addition of seven runs in as many overs and enforcing the follow-on. Kevin Pietersen added one to his overnight 138 when he edged the eighth ball of the day from James Kirtley to Chris Adams at second slip, and Kirtley then bowled Andrew Harris for 1. Mushtaq Ahmed wrapped up the innings when Gareth Clough's attempted sweep lobbed to Adams at midwicket. Kirtley finished with 5 for 60.

When Nottinghamshire batted again, needing 201 to avoid an innings defeat, Kirtley struck with the third ball, trapping Jason Gallian leg-before for a duck. Kirtley's impressive spell continued as Darren Bicknell and Guy Welton both played and missed several times, and a series of edges from Bicknell fell short of the slips.

Kirtley's removal from the attack was soon followed by the second wicket when Welton aimed a flick off his legs off Paul Hutchison and was brilliantly caught by Tony Cottey at square leg.

Bicknell, leading a charmed life, added 110 for the third wicket with Warren before he cut Kirtley to Richard Montgomerie at gulley for 75. At first, Warren and Pietersen were fairly circumspect, but as their confidence grew they took the attack to the bowlers.

Pietersen fell in the final overs to the occasional offspin of Montgomerie for 81, shortly after Warren had brought up his maiden hundred for Nottinghamshire.