Skipper Ed Joyce believes Sussex would have mounted a stronger title challenge if Monty Panesar had not gone off the rails.

Sussex ended a turbulent season on a high with victory over Durham at Hove yesterday to seal third spot in the Championship and the £87,000 cheque that went with it.

Joyce admits they finished just about where they deserved to but admits he cannot help wonder what might have been with an in-form Panesar in their side.

The England spinner took just 23 wickets in 11 matches before being sent on loan to Essex after being involved in an incident outside a Brighton nightclub last month.

Joyce said: “You always end up where you deserve to be. Durham are the best side and Yorkshire were clearly the second best but I think we have been the third best team.

“We’ve dealt with some serious issues fairly well as a group so to come third is a decent achievement.

“I’m not blaming Monty for anything and we all wish him the best for the future but there is no doubt it was a disruption. He was such a crucial part of our four-day plans and him not being at his best was a big blow for us.”