Chris Adams believes Mark Davis can make up for lost time in only his second Championship appearance of the season.
The off-spinner has not played since April but can expect a heavy workload at Cheltenham over the next three days as Sussex chase back-to-back wins against Gloucestershire.
Eight of the wickets to fall were taken by spinners as Sussex were dismissed for 365 yesterday.
Adams, one of four batsmen to pass 50, top-scored with 66. Gloucestershire will resume today on 28-1.
Adams said: "We knew before we got here that spin was going to play a big part so it was important we got runs on the board first, although, perhaps we should have made more of winning the toss. But we have two spinners absolutely chomping at the bit.
"Mushtaq could be a potential match-winner of course and Davo can't wait to get some serious overs under his belt.
"He's had a frustrating season with one thing and another but he is an important member of the squad who is going to play his part in the remainder of the season."
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