Coach Peter Moores has challenged the fringe players in his squad to force their way into Sussex's Championship team.

Moores admitted today that selecting the side for the opening game against Gloucestershire had given him 'a lot of headaches.'

"The squad we have now is certainly the strongest there has been since I became coach and the competition for places is very intense. As a coach that is the sort of situation you want," he said.

"Selecting the team for the Benson & Hedges Cup games was difficult and it's the same for the Championship. It's given me a lot of headaches but it's a lovely position to be in."

Toby Peirce was chosen ahead of Wasim Khan, who scored 103 for the seconds against Essex on Tuesday, as Richard Montgomerie's opening partner while newcomer Will House was preferred to Jamie Carpenter and Bas Zuiderent in the middle order at Gloucestershire.

Seamer Mark Robinson was also restored to the squad, having been left out of the Benson & Hedges Cup teams which beat Hampshire and Essex this week to qualify for the quarter-finals.

"It's obviously horrible for those guys not selected, but when Chris (Adams) and I pick the team we chose one which we think is going to win a game for Sussex and I hope all the players understand that," added Moores.

"It shows the options we now have when we can leave someone like Mark Robinson out of our one-day side.

"He accepted the reasons why as the good pro he is and knows he is part of a squad of 15 or 16 which any county needs these days to be competitive.

"Batting has been an area of concern for us over the past few years. We are looking to guys to nail down these spots, but selection is by no means a closed shop.

"It's up to the players who have been left out to bat time, get time in the middle and score hundreds in the 2nd XI. If they do that they will get their chance."

Sussex are hoping to get their Championship campaign underway today after yesterday's false start.

Play on the opening day against Gloucestershire at Bristol was abandoned an hour before the 11am start.

An wet outfield was further saturated by overnight rain and there was never any prospect of play.

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