Skipper Chris Adams today told his Sussex batsmen: "Be a hero and win us the Championship."

Sussex's title celebrations were put on hold after they were forced to follow on by Lancashire on the third day's play at Old Trafford.

Murray Goodwin became only the second Sussex batsman for eight years to carry his bat, but the county were bowled out for 251 and finished on 21-2 second time around, still 178 in arrears.

Goodwin, meanwhile, had to have seven stitches in a cut above his right eye after he was felled by a bouncer from Peter Martin.

If Sussex can bat through the final day they will be crowned county champions for the first time but, on a wearing pitch, the likelihood is that the title race will not be decided until the last round of matches.

If Sussex lose today they will need six points from next week's game against relegated Leicestershire at Hove to secure the Championship.

Adams said: "We are going to have to bat well, but Murray showed what is possible if you dig in, play late and play straight.

"Fortunately we still have most of our batsmen left and someone has the opportunity to be a hero and win the Championship for us today."

Sussex lost six wickets for 35 as they slumped from 122-1 to 157-7, left-arm spinner Gary Keedy taking five wickets after Lancashire had earlier declared their first innings on 450-6.

Lancashire's powerful performance did not surprise Adams.

"You have got to give credit to them," he added. "They have got some real momentum at the moment and the crowd have really got behind them.

"But at the start of the season if someone had said to me you will win the Championship if you can bat for a day at Old Trafford I would have taken it.

"And if we don't do it here we have another chance in front of our own supporters against a side who have already been relegated."

They may be down but Leicestershire showed signs of spirit yesterday as they bowled Kent out twice and clinched their Championship win of the season, by a ten-wicket margin at Grace Road.

Goodwin was stitched up at Old Trafford last night but he will be able to bat again today. Adams said: "It was a very brave innings by Murray. That sort of thing has happened to me before and it gives you a real surge of adrenalin."

thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/sport/cricket/