Delray Rawlins made an encouraging start to the English county preseason as Sussex dominated the opening day’s play against Surrey at the Kia Oval yesterday.

The Bermuda all-rounder scored 26 not out from 50 balls as part of an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with George Garton, who is on 33, as Sussex reached stumps at 382 for five.

Surrey will bat from the start today.

“I was quite pleased with the way I went,” Rawlins, who hit two sixes and a four, told The Royal Gazette. “I got in some good positions and spent some nice time at the crease.”

In surprisingly batsman-friendly conditions at this time of year, Tom Haines led Sussex the charge with a polished century. The opening batsman thumped 21 boundaries in a knock of 106 from 153 balls, while Tom Clark (73) and captain Ben Brown (57) chipped in with fifties to keep the run-rate above four an over.

The century was second for the 22- year-old Haines in as many visits to South London, having stroked 117 last August in the first innings of the Bob Willis Trophy.

“The boys played well,” Rawlins added. “Everyone has worked hard this winter and we are all just ready to go in the middle.”

Fifth-change Angus Atkinson led Surrey’s with two for 37 from ten overs, while Jamie Overton had one for 74 and Jordan Clarke one for 62. Brown was retired out.

The two-day fixture was originally scheduled to be at home, but the outfield at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove is not ready. It means the season opener in the LV= Insurance County Championship against Lancashire, from April 8 to 11, has been switched to Emirates Old Trafford.

Sussex’s first home fixture in the Championship will be against Yorkshire from April 22 to 25.