Coach Peter Moores believes partnerships hold the key to solving the Sussex county side's batting worries.

The county have enjoyed just one century stand in the last four Championship games and will probably need to improve that record if they are to avoid defeat against Kent.

They were due to resume today on 114-3 in their second innings, still 90 behind the visitors who were bowled out for 349 yesterday.

The county lost Richard Montgomerie, Michael Yardy and Chris Adams before Murray Goodwin and Tim Ambrose put together an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 60.

Moores said: "Our top order hasn't been firing in the last few games, but batting conditions in this game are much better and there's no reason why we can't put a decent total on the board.

"Partnerships are the key and that is something we haven't been able to do as a batting unit in the last few games."

Kent's Ed Smith had earlier made an undefeated 141, his first century of the season. Jason Lewry was Sussex's most successful bowler with 3-82.

Paul Hutchison was finding out today whether he could resume full training. The former Yorkshire left-armer has been out for nearly two months with shin splints and was awaiting results of a scan he had yesterday afternoon.

Hutchison has played just two Championship games since joining Sussex at the end of last season and the county badly need him to regain fitness with James Kirtley ruled out for at least six weeks because of a broken hand.