HOVE (Reuters)
Australia, chasing 337 off a minimum 68 overs to beat Sussex, were given a rapid start by Adam Gilchrist on the third and final day of the tour match. Gilchrist, leading the side while Steve Waugh is out with a torn calf muscle, hammered 12 off the first over on his way to an unbeaten 21 at lunch when the Australians were 32 without loss from six overs.

The touring team and Sussex had agreed before the start to make up for time lost to rain with two declarations to ensure a worthwhile final day's cricket. After only 55 minutes' play was possible on the second day on Thursday, the Australians declared their first innings at the overnight 86 for two -- 269 behind.

Sussex, aiming to set their opponents a target of about 350, changed their batting order and ran into trouble against Brett Lee and Damien Fleming. Dutch import Bas Zuiderent was lbw to Fleming for six, Mark Waugh held a simple catch at second slip to dismiss Nick Wilton for one off Brett Lee, who followed up by having Umer Rashid caught behind by Wade Seccombe for seven.

Fleming, finding his full rhythm, had Mark Davies caught behind for one and Richard Montgomerie lbw for two as Sussex slumped to 31 for five. The situation was saved by former Zimbabwe Test batsman Murray Goodwin who, having been dropped down the order after his first-innings century, smashed 28 not out to allow the county to declare 34 minutes before lunch on 67 for five.

Fleming finished with three for 20 and Lee took two for 27.

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