ADAM Lyth believes setting Sussex a target of 200 or more would give Yorkshire an excellent chance of winning their ongoing County Championship fixture at Hove.

Yorkshire are currently 163-5 in their second innings, leading by 92, after two days at The 1st Central County Ground.

Lyth has top-scored so far with 66, while Gary Ballance is unbeaten on 36.

The White Rose enjoyed an impressive second day, recovering their situation from being bowled out for 150 during the opening day.

Sussex started today on 118-3 and were bowled out for 221 thanks to four wickets apiece for Steve Patterson and Duanne Olivier.

Lyth’s 66 represented the fifth time he has posted at least a half-century in six Championship innings this season.

He also spoke about the two-paced nature of a pitch which is beginning to take significant spin, as indicated by Irish off-spinner Jack Carson taking three second-innings wickets for Sussex late on day two.

“I spoke to Ian Gould, who was our umpire last week at Kent, and he said the ball has been flying through here,” said Lyth. “On the odd occasion, the ball has gone through, but it’s slowed down a bit.

“It’s still a pretty good wicket, but it’s taking spin now.

“It’s the type of wicket where nothing happens for 25 or 30 overs and then you lose a cluster.

“With the older ball, it’s harder to score. But it seems to come on quite well with the new one. There is some seam there.

“It definitely wasn’t a 150 all out wicket, I can tell you that.

“I think anything over 200 would be a tricky chase, I’d imagine. But we have a world-class performer in Gary Ballance, and we bat really deep. Hopefully him and Patto can put a partnership on tomorrow, then the field spreads and there’s more runs to come.

“There were a couple of bad shots tonight and one bad decision for Rooty (given out caught behind off Carson).

“We have some hard work to do in the morning.”

Opener Lyth has posted scores of 52, 115 not out, 97, 116, 42 and 66 in six Championship innings in 2021.

He added: “It’s been a lovely start to the season, personally. I’m really happy with the way it’s going.

“I’d like a couple more big scores. I was disappointed I didn’t go on and get a big one from that 97 at Kent last week, and here I’m disappointed I haven’t gone on and got a hundred.

“But I am pleased with the way I’m playing. Hopefully that can continue.”