WORCESTERSHIRE batsman Azhar Ali spoke of his satisfaction at reaching three figures after what he described as a "battle of attrition" over six hours on the final day of the County Championship draw with Sussex. 

Ali faced 279 deliveries on his way to 103 not out to guide Worcestershire to a share of the points.

England seam bowler Ollie Robinson, who took 7-59 in the first innings, replicated that form in the second innings by taking 7-58, but he could not find a way to remove Azhar, who relished every moment of the encounter. 

READ MORE | Match report: Ali ton helps Worcestershire over the line to earn draw with Sussex at New Road

"Do I enjoy a battle of attrition? You always cherish when especially a Test bowler, or quality bowler getting some help out of the wicket, is up against you," said Azhar.

"When you score runs in that situation, it makes you feel much better and I enjoyed that challenge. It was quite tough.

"When the ball was hard, it started to talk again, but everyone tried hard, it’s all about partnerships, and everyone should be proud of themselves."

Worcestershire lost wickets at regular intervals on the final day and at one point, at 70-5, they were looking odds-on for defeat before Azhar came to the crease.

He and Adam Hose (41) put on 88 for the sixth-wicket and that partnership proved decisive, before Azhar and Josh Tongue pushed The Pears over the line.

Worcester News: Azhar Ali scored 103* as Worcestershire drew with SussexAzhar Ali scored 103* as Worcestershire drew with Sussex (Image: Worcestershire CCC)

"It’s quite pleasing to get that first hundred of the season because I felt like I was in good touch, especially in the first two games at Derby and Durham," added the now retired Pakistan international batter.

"I got in and got out, had a fifty and a couple of thirtys, and, when you are playing well, you want to make big scores.

"It was good to do it today when it was needed, and it augurs well. It was hard work out there, especially with the way Ollie Robinson was bowling on it.

"We knew it was going to be hard work and we thought if someone played a big innings it would make it easier and it was my day today.

"There were a lot of good contributions, especially Adam (Hose) and everyone played their part and at the end, the way Josh (Tongue) batted gave me a lot of confidence that we could do it."