Adams makes Surrey pay

County Championship D1, The Oval: Sussex 445-9 v Surrey 304

Full scorecard

Ormond and Batty appeal unsuccessfully against Ward

Captain Chris Adams hit a century as Sussex snatched the advantage over Surrey at The Oval.

Adams, who made 101, was the only batsman who did not make double figures on day two as Sussex reached 445-9.

Tim Ambrose contributed a staunch 56 before edging Tim Murtagh to slip late in the afternoon.

Murtagh had earlier stopped Ian Ward, who switched counties over the winter, 18 short of a century when he trapped the opener lbw on the back foot.

Halfway through last season I started to realise things were not going in the direction I wanted Ian Ward

Sussex's opening stand had been stopped at 85 when gully fielder Iain Salisbury dived to catch a Richard Montgomerie thick edge off Martin Bicknell's bowling for 25.

Murray Goodwin and Ward fell in quick succession before Adams was joined by Ambrose to add 104 for the fourth wicket.

All of the Sussex tail contributed, including Jason Lewry, who was 44 not out of just 45 balls at the close.

After his innings, Ward revealed Surrey had wanted to get rid of him for much of a difficult 2003 season, after which he was not offered a contract.

"I was not wanted here. [Chief executive Paul] Sheldon and [cricket chairman Richard] Thompson wanted me out," he said.

"Halfway through last season I started to realise things were not going in the direction I wanted. So in the end it has worked out for everyone.

"Coming here, I feel a Sussex player more than I might have thought I would by now. I love the way things are done, working hard with a vibrant young side."

Wardy's out for 82, lbw Murtagh. I'm pleased for the lad. He seems to have a good future (Murtagh that is) From James Milne Have your say on TMS

Ward, who gained five Test caps in 2001, admitted to mixed feelings at what became his second home during a near 20-year association with Surrey.

"I know everyone here; I know my way round this place blindfold and I know what the wicket is going to do.

"But sometimes you have to come out of that comfort zone to meet a new challenge and get the kick up the backside you need.

"I just hope I can start making the runs so that England take notice. They won't take notice of 80s, but if you start making 180s then you have a chance."

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Surrey: J N Batty (Capt, Wkt), S A Newman, M R Ramprakash J G E Benning, A D Brown, A J Hollioake, Azhar Mahmood I D K Salisbury, M P Bicknell, T J Murtagh, J Ormond.

Sussex: I J Ward, R R Montgomerie, M W Goodwin, C J Adams (Capt) T R Ambrose (Wkt), R S C Martin-Jenkins, M J Prior, K J Innes Mohammad Akram, Mushtaq Ahmed, J D Lewry.