Yasir Arafat has revealed how a pep talk from Mushtaq Ahmed inspired him to produce his best bowling spell for Sussex.

The 24-year-old Pakistani bowled unchanged for 14 overs after tea to take 3-42 as Kent, replying to Sussex's 399, ended the second day of the Championship match at Hove on 295-6.

Sussex needed someone to step up in the absence of Mushtaq, who is missing his first Championship game in four seasons, and Arafat was delighted to oblige.

He said: "We hadn't taken a wicket in the second session and Mushtaq came up to me at tea and told me I had to give 100 per cent and bowl fast and aggressively.

"I am the overseas player and people expect me to perform. It's not a bad thing if a world-class bowler like Mushtaq is on at you all of the time. It actually gave me confidence."

Arafat's victims included Darren Stevens, who held their reply together with an entertaining 118, and Matt Walker (87).

Arafat added: "They batted well but the ball was reverse-swinging after tea and I bowled with the wind behind me which helped but I don't think I have ever bowled 14 overs in a row before. That was quite tiring."

Sussex will finish the match top of the Championship. They are level on points after collecting six bonus points so far and have won a game more than their main rivals Lancashire.