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Division Two leaders Warwickshire took control on the first day against Sussex as Ian Bell hit an unbeaten century.

Openers Dom Sibley (44) and Will Rhodes (50) got the Bears off to a good start before Danny Briggs and David Wiese struck to limit the visitors on 102-2.

But Bell (108 not out) and Jonathan Trott (86 not out) put on an unbroken partnership of 206 runs for the third wicket as Sussex's bowlers toiled.

Bell passed 1,000 runs for the season as Warwickshire closed on 308-2.

The 36-year-old former England man, the leading run-scorer in the second tier, hit his fifth century of the campaign in 228 balls on a wicket which favoured the batsmen.

Sussex went into the match third in the table, 21 points behind second-placed Kent and trailing Warwickshire by 33 points, and will need an improved showing on day two as they look to keep their hopes of promotion alive.

Sussex coach Jason Gillespie:

"The wicket hasn't got as much bounce and carry as we'd like, but you have to give credit to Warwickshire. Bell and Trott batted really well.

"There were spells when we bowled well but we didn't do it consistently enough. The bowlers put in a shift but it was hard work at times.

"Tom Haines has gone for a scan on his injured ankle, but we don't expect him to play any further part in the game."

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ WM:

"We were surprised by the pitch. We thought it might be a greener result wicket. It's got cracks and will only get worse so it was important to lay a platform.

"It was tough at times. On paper, their attack is as good as anything in county cricket. But it was pleasing to see Will Rhodes and Dom Sibley give us a good start.

"Of all the goals I have achieved this season, getting 1,000 Championship runs is the most satisfying because I have produced for the team and often it's been in difficult conditions because we play so much cricket in April, May and September when it can be tough."