Delray Rawlins struck a polished half-century to lead a Sussex fightback on day two of their first-class match against Australia A at Arundel Castle yesterday.

Resuming on his overnight score of five not out, the Bermudian all-rounder hit ten four boundaries and a six in a knock of 69 from 103 balls in 151 minutes.

Rawlins reached his fourth first-class half-century in the 43rd over in dramatic fashion after dispatching fellow all-rounder Michael Neser to the boundary ropes for four.

He also featured in two vital partnerships that propelled Sussex to 263 all out in 70.5 overs after the ended day one at 112 for five, adding 58 with guest player Adam Rouse (20) and 30 with Will Beer (28 not out) before he was trapped in front by an leg before decision that looked a little harsh on review.

“Nice to get some today, felt really nice out in the middle,” Rawlins said.

“I feel like I’m back to moving well and hitting the ball well again, so it was nice to get in and get some.”

James Pattinson, four for 60, led an Australian bowling attack boasting 277 Test wickets.

“It was a pretty good attack, but it’s always nice to test yourself against the best,” Rawlins added. “I just thought I would take the attack to them and try and put some pressure back on them. I was a little annoyed to not go on, but I would have taken 69 at the start of the day if it was offered to me.”

Australia A made Sussex’s bowlers toil in their reply, with openers Joe Burns (88) and Marcus Harris (100) carrying the touring side to 203 without loss at stumps.

Rawlins bowled 13 tidy overs with his left-arm spin, which included two maidens, at an economical three runs per over.

“The ball has been coming out my hand nicely lately,” he added. “Hopefully tomorrow [today] I can kick on and get a couple of poles.”

The 21-year-old is making his third successive appearance for Sussex’s first-team having featured in their Specsavers County Championship matches against Durham and Northamptonshire, which both ended in defeats.