Mark Robinson: Sussex are in 'a dangerous place'

Robinson says a lot of his Sussex players are carrying "niggles" at the moment

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson says the side are in "a dangerous place" following their 309-run County Championship defeat by Durham.

The Hove side are now only two points above the Division One relegation zone.

"At the moment the game is quite hard for them because of the volume they are playing, the injuries they are carrying and the results," said Robinson.

"That is a dangerous place as you start searching and grasping. That's what we have to change."

Sussex won their opening two matches of the Championship season but since then they have failed to win any of their next eight four-day games.

They were bowled out for 182 in their second innings at Chester-le-Street, as on-loan spinner James Tredwell top-scored with an unbeaten 50.

Despite the squad being at a low ebb, Robinson says they must continue to show character.

"We are feeling a little bit sorry for ourselves at the moment. There was a bit of a malaise about us," Robinson said. "Part of it is understandable but part of it is unacceptable.

"There are a lot of players carrying niggles, we have been on the road for a while and the game is tough when it is not going well.

"That is where you have to be strong. We were not strong enough.

"You have to apply yourself and fight your corner, whatever you are feeling. This is where sportsman have to be actors and kid yourself where you are."

Sussex are hovering above the bottom two but Robinson is relaxed on their hopes of sustaining their Division One status.

They are only 14 points behind third-placed Somerset, although they have played one game more than the four sides directly above them.

"In this division you are never far away from the top or the bottom," he said. "You can fly above sides very quickly.

"The table is what it is. There are six games left and enough to make strides at both ends.

"What you are trying to do is keep them excited to improve and play. We'll play Friday and then get space to regroup and hopefully get a few bodies better.

"Then we have to come back stronger. You always look to your senior players to stand up."