Swann gives Northants early advantage over Sussex

Graeme Swann struck two important blows as Division Two leaders Northamptonshire shaded the first-session honours against second-placed Sussex at Wantage Road.

The 21-year-old off-spinner, who snapped up 5-55 to wrap up his side's innings victory over Worcestershire earlier this week, turned one sharply to bowl opener Toby Peirce (21) in his first over of the match.

And he struck again just before lunch, sending back Sussex skipper Chris Adams for 11 as the visitors reached 99-3 from 37 overs at the break.

Adams had little hesitation in choosing to bat first on winning the toss, but he saw Richard Montgomerie depart in the fifth over with only 12 on the board, trapped leg-before by Darren Cousins.

Wasim Khan, making his first Championship appearance of the summer, dug in for an unbeaten 43 while Tony Cottey opened his account with two boundaries off successive balls from Swann.