Law secretive over Hove success

Stuart Law keeps his eye on the ball as he racked up 156 not out to frustrate Sussex

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Lancashire skipper Stuart Law insists the secret of why he always performs so well against Sussex must remain just that, after his splendid unbeaten 156 completed a hat-trick of centuries for him at Hove - and seven in all against Chris Adams’ side.

It has set up Lancashire to push for only their second LV County Championship win of the season after overcoming a few hiccups to comfortably surpass Sussex’s total of 253 and finish on 382 for eight at the close of the second day.

Australian-born Law, who will turn 40 in October, starred in the Lancashire innings, hitting his first ton since taking on the captaincy at the end of last season.

It was also his 100th in all forms of cricket, which includes spells with Queensland and Essex as well as a single Test cap for Australia and more than 50 one-day international appearances.

He said: “I’ve no idea why my record against Sussex is so good but obviously I’ve found the way to play down here and that’s got to stay my secret.

“But I’ve always enjoyed pitting my wits against top players and Sussex certainly have more than a few.

“They are the benchmark for me, people like Mushtaq Ahmed and Chris Adams. They have won more championships than anybody in the last five years and that inspires you to do well against them.

“There is not much in the pitch for the bowlers but we’ll make as many runs as we can now and try to get them out again and clinch it, maybe on the final day.”

Law may not have heard that a deluge of rain is forecast for the south east tomorrow but whatever happens, his team have looked a class above their hosts so far.

Hove enjoyed blistering conditions yesterday but heavy rain is forecast tomorrow for the fourth day

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It was hard work for Sussex to take wickets on a slow surface, especially with the returning Mushtaq looking less than 100% fit.

Lancashire started on a precarious 67 for four and after retaking control through a great stand of 160 between Law and left-arm spinner Gary Keedy, who hit a career-high 64 in his supposed role as nightwatchman, were hit by another Andrew Flintoff disappointment.

The fit-again England all-rounder made only six before holing out to midwicket where Sussex academy youngster Will Adkin, 18, was standing in as a 12th-man substitute.

Thanks to Law and some more dependable partners in Luke Sutton (36) and Glen Chapple (28 not out), Lancashire recovered well in the final session but they were struggling again when Flintoff finally marched out at number eight and was too keen to dominate.

His sliced slog gave Adkin, who plays his club cricket for East Grinstead, his big moment, and the 6ft 7ins youngster said: “I’ve been 12th man before against Hampshire and Lancashire but that was my first catch - and not a bad one.

“It was brilliant (to dismiss Flintoff). He’s a great name and most of the crowd had come just to see him. It was a bit intense but the atmosphere was great.

“I got back in the dressing room to find a text from my coach at East Grinstead complaining that I can catch them on TV against Flintoff but not for the club.

“I think he was joking - but I did drop one playing for Grinstead against Brighton and Hove a few weeks ago.”