Sussex 122 and 37 for 1 need a further 241 runs to beat Hampshire 226 and 173

Day three of Sussex's Championship game against Hampshire at Hove was abandoned without a ball bowled - the first day's play to be lost this season.

Morning showers delayed the start to day three at the 1st Central County Ground and when more persistent rain arrived at lunchtime umpires Nigel Llong and Rob White called play off at 2.15pm with puddles forming on a saturated outfield.

Both teams will be hoping for an improvement in conditions tomorrow with Sussex needing 241 runs and Hampshire nine wickets to claim a victory that would ease any fears both counties have of being dragged into a relegation battle.