Will Beer could have a key role for Sussex today – with both bat and ball.

The spinner made 23 not out going in at No.9 to help Chris Jordan revive their innings against Warwickshire on day one of their Championship tussle yesterday.

They added 83 in an as yet unbroken eighth-wicket partnership to edge Sussex towards the 300 mark they feel will be competitive on a slow wicket at Edgbaston.

Jordan was 58 not out overnight as Sussex reached 278-7 having been 121 without loss.

Sussex coach Mark Robinson reckons runs are hard to come by and is intrigued to see how his attack fare today.

He said: “Warwickshire have a quality spinner (Jeetan Patel) who bowled well and it will be interesting to see what happens on the second day.

“What does Will Beer get out of the wicket? It is quite a slow wicket but it is turning a bit.”

Robinson reckons the contest is evenly poised at the moment.

He admitted: “When you get the start we did you want to kick on.

“But Chris Jordan played really well backed up by Will Beer. I suppose our score was disappointing from being 156-1 but pleasing from 195-7.”

Robinson is unhappy with a 49-yard boundary on one side of the wicket. He said: “It’s a ridiculously short boundary. That’s not good for cricket.”