Brilliant Archer puts Sussex on top, Shiv passes 600-run mark

LONDON,  CMC – Barbadian all-rounder Jodfra Archer continued to impress in the English County Championship stroking another half-century and then grabbing a brace of wickets, to help Sussex take command of their Division Two contest against Worcestershire here yesterday.

Playing on the second day at New Road, Sussex were dismissed for 430 in their first innings, after resuming the day on 342 for seven.

Barbados-born England-all-rounder Chris Jordan added just one to his overnight 57 but it was Archer who provided the bulk of the impetus for Sussex with a handsome 59.

The right-handed Archer struck seven fours and a six of 93 deliveries, adding 38 for the ninth with Danny Briggs (16) and 39 for the last wicket with Stu Whittingham (11 not out).

Chris Nash had struck 118 and opener Luke Wells, 85, on Sunday’s opening day.

Seamer Archer then returned with the ball to grab two for 54 as the hosts stumbled to 231 for eight in reply. Pacer Jordan was the leading bowler with three for 61.

Joe Clarke top-scored with 77 but Worcestershire slipped from 137 for three as Jordan and Archer scythed through the innings.

Archer is closing on 400 runs in his first full season of County cricket, having gathering 372 at an average of 37. He is currently Sussex’ chief wicket-taker with 46 scalps at 21 apiece.

At the Rose Bowl, veteran former West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul went past 600 runs for the season when he struck 35 to help Lancashire to 314 for five in their second innings at the end of day two against Hampshire.

Opener Alex Davies missed out on three figures with 97 while partner Haseeb Hameed finished unbeaten on 77.

Chanderpaul, who faced 47 balls and counted four fours, added 48 for the fourth wicket with Hameed.

Former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards has taken one for 51.

Chanderpaul made just 13 in the first innings as Lancashire were bundled out cheaply for 149, to which Hampshire responded with 224.

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