Luke Wright claimed his maiden first-class five wicket haul to spark a Sussex fightback against Lancashire at Hove.

Lancashire were heading for a sizeable first-innings lead when they reached 253-5 in response to Sussex's 289.

But Wright claimed three wickets with the second new ball to finish with 5-80, eclipsing his previous best of 3-33 four years ago against Surrey.

With Robin Martin-Jenkins offering excellent support with 3-50, Lancashire were restricted to just a ten-run lead and by the close Sussex had reached 148-5 in their second innings with Wright unbeaten on 35.

At 45-2 Sussex were precariously placed after James Anderson picked up openers Chris Nash and Mike Yardy with the new ball.

But they were revived by a stand of 50 for the third wicket between Ed Joyce and Murray Goodwin before left-arm spinner Gary Keedy removed Murray Goodwin (20) and Matt Prior for a second-ball duck.

Wright was dropped at slip on 17 off Anderson but added 53 in 17 overs with Joyce, who reached his second half-century of the match only to fall in the final over, leg before to Keedy for 55.

It left Lancashire in a good position to force victory on the final day.