ANDREW Gale led the way for Yorkshire as he brought up his 1000th run of the LV= County Championship season against Sussex.

The captain – who required 61 in his final innings of the campaign to reach the milestone – reached tea on day three at Headingley unbeaten on 65 with the champions leading on 214-5 in their second innings.

That leaves them with a lead of 217 over the visitors, who are battling to avoid a defeat that could see them relegated.

Gale shared in a stand of 67 with Jonny Bairstow (36) either side of an extended lunch due to heavy rain before the wicketkeeper was trapped lbw by Chris Jordan.

Jack Leaning then fell to a good catch by Jordan at first slip off the bowling of Chris Liddle, leaving Adil Rashid to see the hosts through until tea alongside Gale.

Earlier in the day, having begun the morning session on 55-1, Yorkshire lost overnight batsman Gary Ballance (45) and Adam Lyth (39) as both played onto their own stumps attempting to cut.