SKIPPER Chris Adams is delighted with Sussex's start to the season, even though rain looks like robbing them of any chance of winning their opening Championship game against Lancashire.

The third day at Old Trafford yesterday was washed out because of overnight rain with Sussex 285-5 in their first innings.

It means just one day left to manufacture a positive result, but Adams is unwilling to take too many risks with his opposite number John Crawley especially as there have been changes to the points system this season.

Adams said: "My style of captaincy is positive but I'm reluctant to risk too much if it puts the side at a big disadvantage.

"If we got maximum batting points and then had time to bowl them out once we'd only get two less points for the draw than if we won a one-innings match because there are four points for a draw this season as opposed to three and it's now 12 points for a win and not 16.

"If you have a couple of declarations then there is always the chance of losing of course. I don't think you will see too many teams chasing low scores in rain-restricted games, you will see more solid cricket, similar to the sort you get in Test matches.

"It's possible that a side could finish in the top nine and qualify for the first division next season without winning a game.' Sussex will resume today with Rajesh Rao (6 no) and nightwatchman James Kirtley (5 no) at the crease after Toby Peirce's 77 and 62 from Richard Montgomerie on his debut gave the innings the perfect launchpad on the second day.

Adams added: "If we get that sort of start in every game it will be fantastic because players like Michael Di Venuto, Tony Cottey and me can lift the momentum of the innings as we did on Wednesday.

'As a side now we are capable of scoring runs quickly. If a couple of us get going then we can get a score on the board in a couple of hours or so."

Adams was keen to get underway yesterday but the surrounds to the wicket were too wet after overnight rain and snow. After two inspections play was eventually abandoned for the day at 3pm and within minutes a hailstorm was sweeping over the ground.

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