A third century of the season for Zimbabwean Murray Goodwin helped Sussex gain the initiative on the opening day of their match against Notts at Trent Bridge.

Goodwin's 115, and half-centuries from Bas Zuiderent and Mike Yardy were the major contributions in a close of play score of 315—6.

Put in to bat by Darren Bicknell, the visitors were soon in trouble at 31—2. Both Richard Montgomerie and Chris Adams edging AJ Harris into the slip cordon.

Goodwin and Zuiderent then combined to add 151 before the Dutchman fatally misread Richard Stemp's arm—ball and was bowled.

In the 72nd over of a low—key day Goodwin reached his 100, with a clip through midwicket off Stemp and by tea Sussex had moved on to 229—3.

Shortly after the re—start Goodwin sliced a widish delivery from Gareth Clough straight to Stemp at point. His chanceless innings had lasted for 284 minutes, from 230 balls, with 16 boundaries.

Left handers Mike Yardy and Umar Rashid then added to a frustrating day for the home attack. Greg Blewett twice thought he should have had Yardy out lbw and then, on 27, the same player was dropped behind by Chris Read off the bowling of Clough.

Rashid played and missed with regularity but his luck ran out when he tried to pull Harris and mis-hit to Bicknell at mid off.

Yardy, without ever looking either fluent or at ease, ground his way towards his half-century (154 mins 120 balls 8x4) which eventually arrived with a dab to third man off Blewett.

For the second evening in succession Trent Bridge was brightly illuminated as play continued beyond 7pm, although on this occasion floodlighting wasn't required.

As the shadows lengthened Notts took the new ball as soon as it became due and with the second delivery with the new cherry Greg Smith knocked back Yardy's off stump.

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