Meaker menaces Sussex in between showers

Stuart Meaker led a Surrey fightback with three wickets during the two brief spells of play possible on the second day of their Championship match against Sussex. Surrey, who had been bowled out for 124 on day one, took four wickets for nine runs in the six overs that were possible on Thursday to reduce Sussex to 90 for 6 before rain washed out play.

The 23-year-old fast bowler, who could add to his two England ODI caps in the series against Australia later this month, struck with the first ball of the day when Sussex captain Mike Yardy could only fend a well-directed bouncer into the hands of Mark Ramprakash at gully.

In his next over Meaker ripped out Joe Gatting's off stump with a ball of full length before a shower forced the players off after just 2.2 overs. They returned 40 minutes later when Surrey took two more wickets to further undermine Sussex's vulnerable-looking middle order.

Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik got in on the act by dismissing Luke Wright for 1 as he pushed forward to a ball which turned. Wicketkeeper Steven Davies, who had only just returned to the ground after being released by England when Matt Prior passed a fitness test at Edgbaston, took the catch. But it was Meaker's morning and he had reduced Sussex to 87 for 6 when he pinned Ben Brown leg before with an inswinger, giving him figures of 3 for 3 from three overs when the rain returned, leaving Luke Wells unbeaten on 38 and Naveed Arif yet to score.

With rain setting in during the afternoon, umpires Peter Willey and Neil Hartley called off play at 2.30pm, although with the game well advanced and a better forecast there is still every chance of a positive result with two days to go.