Sussex revived by Goodwin century

MCC Match, Lord's, day two (close) Sussex 265-3 v MCC 425

Scorecard

Goodwin continued his prolific form from the triumphant 2006 season

A superb partnership of 225 between Michael Yardy and Murray Goodwin helped Sussex to 265-3, still 160 behind the MCC, after two days at Lord's.

Sussex were in trouble at 32-2 with England Test bowlers Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard claiming a wicket each.

But Goodwin, who made six Championship tons in 2006, smashed 21 fours and a six before holing out for 134.

Earlier, Yorkshire teenager Adil Rashid hit seven fours and a six in a bright 47 to lift the MCC to a total of 425.

The MCC had resumed on 332-6 and added 30 to their score before Steven Davies, one of several county keepers hoping for a place in the England team this summer, flashed at a ball from Kirtley, the pick of the attack with 4-71, and was caught behind for 39.

Hoggard lost his off-stump to the next delivery but Durham's Graeme Onions helped add 33 for the ninth wicket before Rashid fell three runs short of a half century.

Harmison impressed with some trademark pace and bounce from the Pavilion End, in an opening spell of 1-11 from eight overs.

He dismissed Carl Hopkinson with one that looped to first slip high off the bat and Hoggard added the scalp of Chris Nash.

The England opening bowlers enjoyed useful practice at Lord's

Goodwin was reprieved on 96 when Cambridge University all-rounder Zoheb Sharif spilled a straightforward chance at square-leg.

Having reached three figures from 142 balls, Goodwin fell to the bowling of Sharif when he tried to hit over the top and was caught at mid-off.

Yardy, the Sussex captain in the absence of Chris Adams, played the anchor role with a chanceless innings.

The watchful left-hander recorded fifty from 120 deliveries and will resume on 80 in partnership with nightwatchman Kirtley.

Essex and England batsman Alastair Cook, who scored a century for the MCC on the opening day, said it was vital for the two England bowlers to get some overs behind them before the Test series with West Indies next month.

"Harmy is a crucial part of the England cog when he is fit and firing and to see him bowl like that was a very encouraging start," Cook enthused.

"He has got pace, accuracy and that horrible nasty bounce which causes difficulties. It is nice to have a firing Steve Harmison because when he takes wickets England do well. "I thought he had good rhythm today and it was nice to see him bowl well.

"Hoggy slightly struggled with his rhythm, but that is what these games are for and the character he showed to keep running in means he is a good player to have on your team."