Robin Martin-Jenkins insists Sussex should be aiming for more than just Championship survival after producing his best bowling performance for more than two years.

Martin-Jenkins, 33, finished off Lancashire’s first innings at Old Trafford yesterday with four wickets in 13 balls to end with 5-43, only the seventh five-for of his career and his best figures since May 2007.

The county appear to be locked in a four-way fight to avoid the drop with Worcestershire but Martin-Jenkins insists Sussex have sets their sights higher in the last month of the season.

He said: “Durham are favourites but the rest of the places are up for grabs.

“Hampshire got some wins towards the end last season and the table changed dramatically and they finished third and we can do that as well.

“Our one-day cricket has gone brilliantly this year but we are targeting a strong finish in the Championship, it is very important for us.”

Martin-Jenkins picked up his 350th first-class wicket when he dismissed Sajid Mahmood and after a season when his place has not been guaranteed for the first time in years he was happy just to be among the wickets again.

He said: “I don’t think I have bowled better than in other games recently so it’s nice that the wickets have come my way.

“I have been nailed down in the team for a number of years but this season I have been in and out of the side and had to perform a different role.

“I have been pleased with my bowling all year and I’d like to think that I’ve not been in the side because I haven‘t been performing well. All I can do is concentrate on my own game and when my opportunity comes, as it did yesterday, I have to grab it.”