Sussex skipper Chris Adams has hailed Warwickshire as worthy successors to his own side as county champions.

Warwickshire clinched their first title since 1995 when Sussex lost by five wickets to Middlesex at Hove yesterday, a defeat which means Adams' side still need 17 points from their last two games to make sure they retain their first division status.

Adams said: "Warwickshire deserve to be champions. They may have only won five games, which is the same as us, but they haven't lost and that is the sign of a good team.

"I think we've proved over the last six weeks that we're a good side as well but Warwickshire will end up winning it by a country mile because they have been the most consistent side which is what it's all about."

Sussex face Gloucestershire at Bristol on Thursday with fitness worries over Mushtaq Ahmed (bruised thumb), Mohammad Akram (back strain) and Mark Davis (migraine). Jason Lewry could return.