By Stacy Boit,

England star Joe Root cruised to 96 but fell short of a 12th first-class century for Yorkshire in the hosts’ strong response to Sussex’s first-innings 502 on day three of the County Championship fixture which looks likely but not certain to finish in a draw at Headingley.

Sussex had started the season with back-to-back wins and Yorkshire a draw and defeat. But neither bowling attack has looked likely to penetrate high-class batting line-ups on a placid pitch.

Yorkshire, having started day three on 192-1, were bowled out for 511, claiming a lead of nine with 14 overs left in the day.

They lost opener Fin Bean for 105 early on before fellow left-hander Sam Whiteman converted an overnight 73 into a determined 101, his maiden century for the county he joined in the winter. Sussex’s second innings closed on 31-2, giving Yorkshire a glimmer of hope. The visiting lead is 22.