John Simpson says he is relishing captaincy as he guides Sussex in division one.
The county skipper and wicketkeeper started the Championship campaign with a century as batters dominated at Edgbaston.
Sussex returned to the top tier in style by amassing 528 all out after Simpson added a superb unbeaten 181 (262 balls) to Tom Clark’s opening day century.
Hopes of turning that strong total into a victory were then held up by the home batters who responded with 223 for three. Rob Yates closed the second day on 113 (148 balls) after captain Alex Davies launched the reply with an aggressive 66 (65 balls).
Edgbaston pitches in recent years have tended to flatten out as matches lengthen, so it is difficult to see either side forcing a victory.
Both would probably be happy enough with a solid draw from their season-opener.
Simpson said: “I’m just trying to keep things really simple and cash in as much as I can.
“Taking over the captaincy is spurring me on a bit, trying to drive the team forward, and it’s nice to contribute and get a few runs.
“I think I am thriving on the captaincy. It’s very fresh to me so I am just trying to immerse myself in it and do the best I can and bounce from batting to keeping and back up the words I tell the lads in the changing room and go out there and put them into action.
Simpson is pleased with the early signs from his team.
He added: “We started the season really well yesterday and were pretty good again today with the bat.
“Then with the ball the first hour and a bit was disappointing but we pulled it back a little bit towards the back end which was great.
“Sealesy (seamer Jayden Seales) did really well considering he was fresh off the plane and I thought Jack Carson was outstanding.”
