Sussex skipper Chris Adams is happy to be forging a reputation as a big game performer.

Adams took a century off the Surrey attack for the third season running to put the county in a strong position in their opening Championship match at the Oval.

Five of Adams' 38 first-class centuries have come against Surrey but the 101 he scored on Saturday gave him extra satisfaction.

Winter surgery on his elbow meant Adams batted in just one of Sussex's pre-season games, a one-day match against Worcestershire a fortnight ago.

He showed few signs of rustiness as he struck 17 boundaries in four hours at the crease.

Adams said: "I've played prettier innings, but I've had so many nets recently that time in the middle is a real treat.

"I tend to play well when there's more on the game and I love coming to the Oval for one reason only and that's because I always seem to get runs here."

Jason Lewry (72) and Mohammad Akram (31 not out) both made career bests as Sussex's last pair added 48 today.

Their partnership of 87 was a county record against Surrey and gave Sussex a first innings lead of 189. With Scott Newman suffering from a hamstring injury, Ian Salisbury opened the Surrey second innings.

The third day's play was washed out.