Delray Rawlins and his Sussex team-mates suffered a crushing innings and 34 run defeat inside three days to Worcestershire on the weekend in the LV=Insurance County Championship at New Road in Worcester.

Sussex were made to follow-on after being dismissed for 269 in their first innings in reply to the 491 posted by Worcestershire. They were then dismissed for 188 in their second innings as Rawlins, batting at No 7, was run out for 19 after facing 28 balls. He was dismissed for ten in the first innings.

Despite a first innings century from Cheteshwar Pujara and a half century from loan player Grant Stewart, Sussex failed to extend the match into the fourth day as Worcestershire wrapped up a comfortable victory.

Sussex resumed on Saturday on 169-5, still 322 runs behind and with their hopes of avoiding a defeat resting on the shoulders of Pujara who resumed on 85. He completed a fine century off 184 balls as he and Rawlins got through the first 50 minutes of play before wickets began to fall at Rawlins’ dismissal.

The introduction of Dillon Pennington into the attack resulted in the breakthrough as the former England Under-19 bowler, shattered the stumps of Rawlins with a full-length delivery.

Pennington then picked up the prized wicket of Pujara on 109, the Indian batsman edging a delivery and being caught by Ed Pollock at first slip.

Charlie Morris wrapped up the innings when he trapped Grant Burrows lbw on the stroke of lunch.

Captain Brett D’Oliveira’s decision to enforce the follow on proved to be a good one as Joe Leach claimed two wickets in two balls to put Sussex on the back foot early in their second innings.

Tom Haines edged a delivery and wicketkeeper Ben Cox took a sharp catch in front of first slip.

Rawlins fell for 19 in the second innings as Sussex were dismissed for just 188 on their way to defeat. Grant Stewart, batting at No 8, offered a lively resistance hitting three fours and five sixes in his 67 not out before Sussex were dismissed in 63 overs.

Josh Baker claimed three for 75 and Leach two for 28 for Worcestershire.