Sussex batsman Murray Goodwin restored some pride for Zimbabwe on the opening day against Warwickshire at Hove.

While his fellow countrymen were being thrashed by England in the ICC Champions Trophy, Goodwin was in impressive form as Sussex made 352.

Goodwin has rejected the chance to play for Zimbabwe in the World Cup - instead choosing to spend the winter playing for Western Australia - and he gave a glimpse of what his country are missing.

But Dougie Brown (five for 103) and Alan Richardson (four for 76) took nine wickets between, ensuring Warwickshire claimed maximum bowling points to keep them on course for the runners-up spot.

Captain Michael Powell and Mark Wagh then safely saw Warwickshire through to 20 without loss.

Star of the show

Though Goodwin top-scored for Sussex, fellow opener Richard Montgomerie was the star of the show early on.

Neil Carter came in for particular punishment, conceding five boundaries in his opening two overs and was immediately taken out of the attack.

Montgomerie had scored at more than a run a ball for his 34 when he departed, caught behind by Keith Piper off Brown.

Tony Cottey made just five before hooking Brown straight to Richardson at square-leg.

Matt Prior fared little better and had only just reached double figures when he managed to edge a catch through to Piper.

On 94 for three Warwickshire looked well placed to build on their early wickets, but Goodwin was proving a stubborn opponent.

He and Tim Ambrose put on 83 for the fourth wicket before the latter became Piper and Brown's third victim for 26.

Goodwin looked well set to complete his fifth Championship century of the season, but he was seven runs short when Brown struck again to claim a much-needed wicket.

He played back to a good-length ball and edged to Mark Wagh at first slip after a 170-ball innings which contained 12 fours and two sixes.

Robin Martin-Jenkins was also back in the dressing room in the next over after pulling Richardson to Jamie Spires at mid-off for 33.

At 228 for six Sussex looked to be wobbling, but valuable contributions from youngster Carl Hopkinson and Kevin Innes ensured a sizeable total for the hosts.

Sussex: R R Montgomerie (Capt), M W Goodwin, P A Cottey, C D Hopkinson, T R Ambrose, R S C Martin-Jenkins, M J Prior (Wkt), K J Innes, M J G Davis, P M Hutchison, B V Taylor.

Warwickshire: M J Powell (Capt), M A Wagh, I R Bell, D P Ostler, T Frost, D R Brown, J A S Spires, K J Piper (Wkt), N M Carter, M A Sheikh, A Richardson.