Lancashire begin title defence badly as Sussex cruise to win

Australian Steve Magoffin enjoyed a fantastic Sussex debut as Lancashire made a miserable start to the defence of their County Championship title.

Magoffin took seven second-innings wickets for match figures of 9-55 as the hosts suffered a rare home defeat.

Lancashire began day three on 85-4 and Ashwell Prince scored 58 before being caught behind off Magoffin as they were bowled out for 176.

Sussex needed one run and Ed Joyce hit a four off the third ball to win it.

Lancashire, who won the County Championship in 2011, lost a home game for only the fifth time in 36 matches.

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BBC Sussex's Adrian Harms:

"Sussex coach Mark Robinson must be delighted. Firstly his side beat the county champions inside three days and his new signing, Australian Steve Magoffin, also takes 7-34 in the second innings and nine wickets in the match.

"Sussex have been searching for another seamer all winter and in Magoffin they may have struck the jackpot. The amiable Australian is here until at least early June by which time Sussex will be halfway through their County Championship programme.

"Credit Michael Yardy as well as his 110 was a high-quality performance in testing conditions and his captaincy and field-placings were imaginative throughout.

"Sussex were disappointed with their defeat at the Oval last week, but based on this performance they can look forward to the rest of the season with a good deal of confidence."