Not that Sussex has done any better and losing regular captain Michael Yardy due to stomach cramps did not help their cause against NSW yesterday. The lack of penetration in their bowling unit has been the bane of the English side and even though they restricted NSW to 130, they could claim just two wickets, which is not a flattering statement on their bowlers, including Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla and Pakistani pacer Yasir Arafat. Their batting has been equally lacklustre. Chris Nash got the start against NSW but lacked aggression, stand-in skipper Ed Joyce did not trouble the scorer at all and Joe Gatting proved he has miles to go before coming anywhere close to his uncle Mike. By and large, the battle between the desperate minnows promises to be an even fight.