91Èȱ¬

An unbroken partnership of 132 between left-handers Michael Yardy and Ashar Zaidi revived Sussex on the opening day of the crucial fixture with Somerset.

Both teams began on 146 points, only 11 ahead of Hampshire, who are currently next to bottom of the table.

Sussex were in trouble at 162-5 when Ed Joyce was caught down the leg-side for 82 off the final ball before tea.

But Yardy, in his final match at Hove, made 60 and Zaidi hit 15 fours and a six in his 90 as Sussex reached 303-6.

Former England all-rounder Yardy is retiring at the end of the season after making his first-class debut in 2000 and being part of the Championship triumphs in 2003, 2006 and 2007.

Rain caused several interruptions on day one at Hove, and with further weather delays expected during the remainder of the match, bonus points could be essential in the battle to avoid the drop.

When wicketkeeper Ben Brown was dismissed without scoring, Sussex, who end their season with an away fixture at champions Yorkshire, were 171-6 and in danger of failing to register any batting points, as the rapid Jamie Overton (2-64) helped the visitors to two bowling points.

But the seventh-wicket partnership in barely 30 overs ensured them of at least three - Yardy completing his 50th first-class half-century and 34-year-old Zaidi hitting Jim Allenby for four and six off successive balls late on.

The pair have a further 32 overs in which to attempt to add more batting points.