County Championship: Williamson hits ton before Sussex falter

Williamson had passed fifty on nine previous occasions for Yorkshire without going on to three figures

New Zealand's Kane Williamson hit his first Championship century as Yorkshire began a push for victory on day three against Sussex at Scarborough.

He batted for just over eight hours for his 189 before giving a return catch to spinner Luke Wells, who took a career-best 3-38 as they were all out for 493.

Williamson's stand of 157 with Tim Bresnan (61) was a seventh-wicket record for the county against Sussex.

Sussex were 98-4 at stumps, still 27 behind, with Luke Wright 56 not out.

A superb new-ball spell for the Division One leaders of 2-8 from seven overs by Ryan Sidebottom sent back Wells and Sussex skipper Ed Joyce, who was lbw for five.

Chris Nash was dropped at slip on 15 by Alex Lees off Jack Brooks, but did not add to his score before wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow accepted another edge off the same bowler.

Craig Cachopa was removed by Bresnan, with the help of Adam Lyth's catch at second slip, but Wright met the crisis with some typically bold strokeplay, reaching his half-century from just 53 balls.

Earlier, Yorkshire had Adil Rashid bowled by Matthew Hobden for 28 after beginning the day on 258-5, but Williamson - who hit 22 fours in his 320-ball innings - and Bresnan ensured maximum batting points either side of the lunch interval.

Williamson is playing his final home game for the county this summer before returning home.

Yorkshire batsman Kane Williamson:

"It was nice to get my maiden century and to contribute to a big first-innings total. It is always nice to make a big score when your team needs it.

"The team needed someone to keep batting, not to be too reckless and to build partnerships and I was glad to be able to do that job."

BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan:

"Yorkshire will be hoping the rain stays away from Scarborough tomorrow. They are pushing for victory and the 24 points that are on offer for success would enhance their title hopes.

"A big day lies ahead for the Championship leaders."