Magoffin moves top in County

Australian veteran Steve Magoffin was the chief destroyer for Sussex as they routed Northants for just 116 in the County Championship yesterday.

The Western Australian snared 5-12 to surge to the top of the County wicket-taking list with 44 at the outstanding average of 19.29 from his 10 matches to date.

"Steve bowled absolutely beautifully,” Sussex captain Ed Joyce said.

“The game plan was to bowl slightly fullish and he executed it perfectly.

"He really is a class act. He kept hitting the seam and was backed up by the other bowlers, while we also held our catches.

"There is a bit of uneven bounce, but I think it's a good wicket and it flattened out a bit as the day wore on.

"They have a long batting order and I'm sure they will fight their corner, but Steve has put us in an excellent position."

Earlier, Melbourne Stars man Luke Wright crashed 158 to lead Sussex to 405, and after dismantling Northants in their first innings, Joyce duly enforced the follow-on and had the visitors 3-80 at stumps.