Kent's new signing Alamgir Sheriyar was the scourge of Sussex on the opening day of the Championship match at Hove today.

The former England A left-armer, who joined Kent from Worcestershire in the winter, took four wickets as Sussex reached 278-9 at tea.

His success justified Kent's decision to bowl first on a greenish pitch, but Sussex will also feel they have missed the boat.

Most of their recognised batsmen got going, but only skipper Chris Adams translated a decent start into a half-century.

He hit ten fours in his 54 before becoming Sheriyar's third victim in the second over after lunch when he was caught at slip playing a loose drive.

Sheriyar removed Richard Montgomerie and Tony Cottey before lunch and later had Robin Martin-Jenkins caught behind.

But Sussex were revived from 166-6 by stands of 27 between Matt Prior and Kevin Innes and 49 between Prior and Mushtaq Ahmed in eight overs before Prior was caught behind off Mark Ealham for 42.

Ahmed hit seven balls in a 39-ball 37, including four in an over off James Tredwell, before wicketkeeper Geraint Jones held his fourth catch of the innings to give Ben Trott his first success.

Tea: Sussex 278 for 9 (not out batsmen Martin-Jenkins 7, Lewry 21)