THERE can be few more thrilling sights in the LV County Championship than Michael Carberry and Tymal Mills in opposition.

Hampshire will begin the final day on 181-4, needing to chase down an Ageas Bowl-record 378 to beat Sussex, following a gripping third day of what has been an absorbing match throughout.

Carberry v Mills during the penultimate day's final session has been the highlight so far.

After Hampshire’s bowlers provided hope of what would be an astonishing win, by skittling Sussex for 164, Carberry gave his teammates further belief during a compelling battle with the former Essex fast bowler.

Carberry’s 79, which came from only 86 balls, included a hooked six against rookie Matt Hobden and a Greenidge-esque short-arm jab for one of his 13 fours - as well as his gripping heavyweight clash with Mills.

Mills hit speeds upward of 90mph in Hampshire's first innings and yesterday struck Carberry on the helmet before ending the opening partnership at 76 with a spectacular cartwheeling of Jimmy Adams’ off stump.

But Carberry showed what a class act he is.

With his brief Test career seemingly over, it is clear that he is relishing the return to the first division.

His contest with Mills was his most intense battle against left-arm fast bowling since facing Mitchell Johnson during last year’s Ashes.

But it was the slow left-arm of Michael Yardy that he egded high to Ed Joyce at slip, attempting a late cut, as Hampshire slipped to 158-4.

Ajmal Shahzad, another shrewd Sussex recruit, accounted for James Vince (9) and Liam Dawson (3) in successive overs as Hampshire lost three wickets for 13 runs. 

Dawson’s unfortunate dismissal - he played on defending a short ball – could easily have precipitated a game-ending collapse.

But Hampshire are made of stern stuff these days and showed yet more backs-to-the-wall quality to close the day needing 197 to win, with Will Smith (22no) and Adam Wheater (11no) ensuring no further loss.

That they are still in the game is a remarkable achievement given they could have followed on, 213 runs behind, after losing their final first-innings wicket a few overs into the penultimate day.

When Sussex decided against enforcing the follow-on, James Tomlinson (4-37) led an astonishing fightback, finding the edges of top-order left-handers Luke Wells and Michael Yardy in successive deliveries to set the tone as Sussex slipped to 71-6.

Luke Wright’s fluent 61, which featured a 77-run partnership with Ajmal Shahzad, threatened to bat Hampshire out of the game.

But Hampshire fought till the end, with Danny Briggs (3-27) and Will Smith holding on to catch-of-the-season contenders, even at this early stage, at backward point and short-leg respectively.