Zimbabwe's bowlers were allowed a final warm-up before Thursday's first Test when Sussex finally bowled the tourists out for 395 early on the fourth day at Hove.

In a match seriously truncated by bad weather, the hosts began their first innings with just five hours remaining.

But a draw had been a near-certainty ever since rain washed out the whole of the second day.

All in all over the last three weeks we have had some good practice, a good lead-up to the first Test match Zimbabwe coach Geoff Marsh

Former Zimbabwe Test batsman Murray Goodwin hit 49 and Bas Zuiderant 50 as the hosts reached 179-4.

The 92-run third wicket partnership was halted when Andy Blignaut bowled his compatriot, and Sean Ervine had Dutchman Zuiderant caught behind.

But the best news for the tourists was the performance of skipper Heath Streak, who bowled 12 overs on his return from a back injury.

Opener Richard Montgomerie was his only wicket, caught by Ervine for 24.

But he was also responsible for a run out, collecting in his follow-through and throwing down the stumps with Mike Yardy short of his ground.

Earlier, Ervine was left stranded on an unbeaten 57 as Zimbabwe lost their final three wickets for the addition of 21 to their overnight total.

Paul Hutchison finished proceedings by bowling Andy Blignaut and Raymond Price in successive overs.

The former Yorkshire left-armer, in his second season with Sussex, finished with figures of 4-94 in what is just his fourth match for the south coast side after a series of injury problems.

Sussex: R R Montgomerie, M H Yardy, M W Goodwin (Capt), B Zuiderent, C D Hopkinson, K J Innes, P M Hutchison, M J G Davis, A J Hodd (Wkt), B V Taylor, J D Lewry.

Zimbabwe: D D Ebrahim, M A Vermeulen, S V Carlisle, G W Flower, D A Marillier, T Taibu (Wkt), S M Ervine, H H Streak (Capt), A M Blignaut, M L Nkala, R W Price.