Mark Davis enjoyed the best moment of his career as Sussex closed in on Championship glory yesterday.

The 32-year-old all-rounder made a career-best 168 and then took the crucial wicket of Middlesex's Owais Shah to put Sussex in the driving seat with a day remaining at Hove.

Middlesex will resume today on 157-5, a lead of just 12, and if Sussex can secure their ninth win of the season they will head to Old Trafford on Wednesday to face Lancashire needing a maximum of ten points from their last two games to clinch the first Championship in their history.

Davis, who batted for seven-and-a-half hours, said: "That innings was a career highlight, but if we go on and win the game it will mean even more.

"We really need to win and if that happens it will be the icing on the cake as far as my performance is concerned.

"The odd ball is seaming and the pitch is taking spin and it will be hard work for their batsmen. I'd certainly prefer to be in our position than theirs at the moment."

Davis put on 106 for the last wicket with Billy Taylor, who made a career-best 35 not out.

He added: "I was quite happy to play the anchor role when Matt was out there with me and, when I got a message to be more aggressive, I was happy to go for my shots."

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