IAN Austin has proved his point to England and Lancashire in the championship clash against Sussex at Hove.

Austin was overlooked by England again for the Texaco Trophy series against Pakistan after his Gold Award performance in the Benson and Hedges Cup final had thrust him into contention.

And he had also been left out of Lancashire's last two championship games.

He was only recalled yesterday because of Peter Martin's absence on England twelfth man duty but was easily the pick of the Lancashire attack.

He claimed 3-34 in 24 mean overs bowling up the hill from the Sea End, and should have had a fourth wicket as he twice had Bill Athey dropped in the forties.

They were to prove costly misses, as Athey ground on to the 54th century of his career to set up an overnight Sussex total of 285-6, which they today improved to 314-6 after 100 overs.

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