Persistent drizzle on the south coast ensured that only 11 overs were possible on day three at the Rose Bowl.

In that time Hampshire added 13 runs to move within 13 of Sussex's below par first day total of 332 all out.

Michael Lumb added five to his 77 before losing his balance trying to push to leg and falling lbw, the ninth time he had gone between 50 and 100.

Sussex felt they had dismissed Dimi Mascarenhas for three but the umpires were unsure the catch had carried.

Lumb is confident Hampshire can close the gap on their local rivals this season.

"They've won the title for the last few years, so obviously they're going to be favourites," he said of the champions.

"But if it hadn't rained here, we could have had them in a bit of trouble - so don't write us off."