Simpson's Century Powers Sussex

Sussex captain John Simpson shone brightly on a gloomy second day at Hove, remaining unbeaten on 112 as his team surged to 407-5, securing a hefty 221-run lead over Glamorgan.

Simpson, who surpassed 1,000 runs for the season, shared an impressive 194-run stand for the sixth wicket with Tom Clark, who remained unbeaten on 79. Earlier, Daniel Hughes contributed 83, and nightwatchman Henry Crocombe recorded a career-best 54.

Despite a brief collapse triggered by Glamorgan’s Ben Kellaway (3-109) and Dan Douthwaite (2-77), Simpson's counter-attack helped Sussex amass seven crucial bonus points in their push for promotion, with rivals Middlesex and Yorkshire also in strong positions.

Hughes and Crocombe extended their overnight partnership to 78 under overcast skies, with Crocombe looking remarkably comfortable as he reached his maiden first-class half-century. Hughes, on the verge of consecutive hundreds, mistimed a shot to mid-wicket off Douthwaite, which started a mini-collapse before lunch. Crocombe fell soon after, prodding Kellaway to short-leg.

Kellaway, finding significant turn, soon had Tom Alsop caught behind, while James Coles slashed at a delivery from Douthwaite, giving Chris Cooke another catch. Four wickets fell for just 25 runs before lunch, briefly halting Sussex’s momentum.

However, Simpson quickly took charge, attacking Glamorgan’s bowlers and relieving the pressure on Clark, who had started cautiously but held firm. Simpson looked at ease against Kellaway, and despite the dim light, the new ball didn’t bring Glamorgan any breakthroughs. By tea, Sussex had extended their lead past 150.

Simpson reached his fifth century of the season off 143 balls, helping Sussex push their total past 400 with just two balls to spare, earning them a fourth batting point. His performance was particularly sweet, coming after a disappointing pair in the previous match against Glamorgan in Cardiff.

Kellaway even showcased his ambidextrous skills by bowling left-arm spin for the first time in Championship cricket before bad light ended the day’s play at 16:20 BST.

Glamorgan, having batted for more than two days to secure a draw at Hove last year, now face a steep challenge to save the game and avoid defeat this time around.