Chris Adams insists top-of-the-table Sussex are not contemplating a second title in three seasons just yet.

The county are a point clear with three games to go after hammering Middlesex inside two days to secure a third successive first division win.

They go to Edgbaston next Thursday to face Warwickshire before home games against doomed Glamorgan and title rivals Kent in September.

Adams said: "After we've played Warwickshire we will sit back and evaluate what we have to do and watch the others scrap it out until our next game. But no one's sitting in our dressing room talking about winning the title yet.

"The competition this season is as tough as it's ever been. The most important thing is that our three wins means we are more or less safe from relegation now which is some turn around in the last two weeks."

Sussex's two overseas players - Mushtaq Ahmed and Rana Naved - shared 16 wickets as Middlesex were bowled out twice in a day. Mushtaq has now taken 60 this season while his Pakistani compatriot has 38 from just six matches.

"The emphasis has been on them because they seem to bring out the best in each other," said Adams.

"But that was one of the most complete team performances I have ever been involved in. We shouldn't forget the performances of Mike Yardy and Robin Martin-Jenkins to set up the victory. Different players are chipping in at different times.

"If we maintain our current level we've got a chance, we've found the form we had two years ago when we won the Championship."

Meanwhile Ian Ward could be available for the Warwickshire game as he steps up his rehabilitation after missing the last three matches with a torn groin.

Director of Cricket Peter Moore says there is a slight chance he will be back for Tuesday's day-night one-day game in Birmingham, but the Championship fixture two days later is a more realistic target.

Sussex are enjoying two extra days off before travelling to Leicester tomorrow for a crucial totesport League fixture.

The Sharks could be knocked off the top of Division Two if they suffer what would be a third successive defeat at Grace Road (1pm) and Durham beat Somerset.

Fit-again Luke Wright is included and may get the nod ahead of off-spinner Mark Davis.