Hunt has stated his case as Sussex face selection decision

Sean Hunt has been told he showed real character on a landmark outing for Sussex.

Now the county assess their options as they take their high-flying Vitality County Championship campaign to Northampton.

Hunt did a good job with bat and ball in the tense win over Leicestershire which kept them top of division two.

Sussex used five seamers in that game, without having to look to Tom Haines, and might reshuffle as Dan Hughes returns to contention.

But Hunt has been praised for his 4-70 and then a career-best 65 with the bat.

Asked especially about the -year-old, head coach Paul Farbrace said: “In the first innings, when he had a tough first two sessions, he could have feigned injury like a lot of people have done.

“He could have walked off, he could have said ‘That’s not for me’, but he wanted the ball.

“That shows real resilience, real character and also shows the spirit in the team that other people were encouraging him and helping him.

“Whether that is Sean Hunt, at the start of his career, or Oliver (Robinson) towards the middle part of his career, everybody needs an arm around the shoulder every so often.

“It was a brilliant game for him.

“We all want Hunty to do well because he is one of the most popular players in our squad, along with Oli Carter.

“They are two fantastic lads. They have got great spirit.

“Everyone wants them to do well because we know how hard they work.

“For Sean to go and get 65 and play the way he did as a nightwatchman is also fantastic.

“Really it sums up the desire and the fun that this group of players have together.”

Hunt played in the win at Derbyshire but has otherwise been used at Hove rather than on the road.

It illustrates the improved strength in depth in the Sussex ranks that he might now miss out at Wantage Road.

Hughes was forced out of what would have been his Championship debut by a hand injury.

The hope is he will return to the frame and, although Farbrace made a token reference to him having to fight for his place in the team, the reality is the Aussie will play if fit.

The Sussex boss said: “Oli Carter has played really well.

“It might be that we readjust.

“We played with five seamers (against Leicestershire) and it might be that we bring another batter in.

“Let’s see when we get to Northampton and look at the pitch.”

Nathan McAndrew completes his contribution to the Championship season over the coming days.

He will stay on for the Vitality Blast before heading home for pre-season in Australia.

Farbrace has been delighted with a player he first signed when he was at Warwickshire three years ago and has been delighted to see him recognised by Australia A.

The Sussex coach said: “He has done very well for us.

“He is low maintenance, he is a very popular character in our team and, more importantly, he is an absolutely top class professional. That’s why we brought him.

“He is helping our young players learn good habits and to perform under pressure.”

Sussex lead the table on 132 points, ahead of Middlesex (124).

Yorkshire are on 99 and lead a pack of seven counties who are separated by just seven points with only Derbyshire starting to lose ground.

There is cricket at Hove on Sunday as Southern Vipers play Western Storm in the 50-over Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy (10.30am).