BBC SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Classy Hildreth makes Sussex toil

James Hildreth pressed his England claims with a fine century as Somerset racked up 399-3 against Sussex.

The 23-year-old was dropped at slip by Michael Yardy on 18 but went on to make an unbeaten 127 with a series of back-foot strokes and impressive drives.

Chris Adams' decision to field looked a bad one as openers Marcus Trescothick (77) and Neil Edwards (99) struck 151.

Adams ran out Edwards from first slip agonisingly short of a ton but it was a day of little of joy for the champions.

With little dampness in the wicket early on, conditions were set fair for batting and Somerset's left-handed opening pair piled on the runs.

Trescothick looked in control until he attempted a flashing drive off Corey Collymore and edged behind.

That brought Hildreth to the crease, and he soon showed the form that won him a place on the England Lions tour during the winter.

Once Edwards went, Justin Langer added a fluent 44 before being caught behind, but Hildreth found further support from Zander de Bruyn, who was unbeaten on 37 at stumps.

Collymore was the pick of the Sussex bowlers, his 1-72 off 23 overs scant reward for a hard day's work in the field.