Sussex's John Simpson hits his maiden double century at Leicester in the County Championship

John Simpson scored a double century as Sussex dominated Leicestershire in their County Championship game.

Sussex replied to Leicestershire's 338 all out by amassing the third-highest total in their first-class history, declaring on 694-9. Leicestershire closed on 86-1 in their second innings, trailing by 270.

Simpson finished on 205 not out, after a seventh-wicket partnership of 255 with Danny Lamb. Lamb's 134, including seven sixes, was also a career-best.

Sussex declared with a first-innings lead of 356, six overs after tea following the dismissal of Ari Karvelas for 55.

There was no breakthrough until five overs after lunch when Lamb, on 85, hit a legside delivery from Matt Salisbury. Ben Cox could only deflect it to the boundary.

Simpson reached his fifty from 108 balls and his hundred from 197, passing the milestone when he pulled Salisbury for four to bring up the Sussex 450.

Lamb reached his hundred faster than Simpson, needing just 108 balls.

He hit his fifth six off Ben Mike with a scoop, followed by his sixth and seventh sixes off Liam Trevaskis and Louis Kimber respectively. However, he was bowled while trying to heave Trevaskis over mid-wicket.

Jack Carson contributed with two sixes in a 23-ball 38, while Simpson hit 23 fours and five sixes, reaching his second hundred off 97 balls. The innings was called to a close after Karvelas was caught at long-off from Kimber's bowling.

Leicestershire successfully negotiated the first 14 overs of the second innings without any issues. However, off-spinner Carson managed to break through and dismiss Australian opener Marcus Harris, who was caught at short leg.