Pujara's fourth consecutive ton puts Sussex in command

Cheteshwar Pujara's sensational run in the County Championship continued as the Indian batter scored his fourth century on the trot for Sussex on Saturday. Pujara, who remained unbeaten on 125 at the end of the Day 3 against Middlesex, extended Sussex's second innings lead to 270 runs.

Pujara scored 16 in the first innings as Sussex rode on Tom Aslop's 113 and opener Ali Orr's 99 to post 392. Middlesex posted 358 in reply following half-centuries from Max Holden, John Simpson, Luke Hollman and Martin Anderson.

Pakistan's left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi started well with the wicket of Orr for a duck while Ethan Bamber removed Sussex captain Tom Haines for a golden duck. Pujara, who walked in at No.4, put up a partnership of 138 runs with Tom Aslop (66) and guided them to safety. He added 92 runs for the fourth wicket with Tom Aslop (26 not out) as Sussex ended the penultimate day in a strong position.

Pujara started his stint for Sussex with a match-saving 201 not out against Derbyshire and followed it up with a 109 against Worcestershire and 203 against Durham.