Can Do
The two-tier MDS Civil Engineering Stand at the River (Can) End of the County Ground, Chelmsford. Captured towards the end of the first day's play in a scheduled four-day County Championship fixture between Essex and Middlesex. Title-chasing Essex, who have played at the County Ground since 1925, went on to win by 297 runs, with a day to spare.
An important fixture for each team (welcome, this late in the season) produced an interesting day’s play. With the sun beating down, Essex, on winning the toss, did the obvious and chose to bat. Left-handers Nick Browne (59) and Alastair Cook (58) gave them a solid start, putting on 122 for the first wicket. The 40-minute lunch break did nothing for either’s concentration, however, and spinner Josh de Caires (Michael Atherton’s son) removed both soon after the second session began. The tireless de Caires went on to bowl a whopping 38 overs, finishing with eight maidens and 7-105.
Middlesex will be disappointed they couldn’t bowl out Essex, whose last pair stood firm, even against the new ball. After the hosts’ mini-collapse to 169-5, Adam Rossington (37) and Matt Critchley (36) got Essex back on course by adding 66 for the sixth wicket. Superb catches, just inside the boundary rope, by Luke Hollman and Mark Stoneman. Dashing Indian Umesh Yadav marked his Essex debut with a six in a quickfire 18.
Match statistics
Essex versus Middlesex @ County Ground, Chelmsford
County Championship, Division One (day one of four, 10.30am start)
Admission: £14. Scorecard: £1. Attendance: 2,500 (estimate). Essex won the toss and elected to bat. Essex 303-9 off 96 overs (Nick Browne 59, Alastair Cook 58, Adam Rossington 37, Matt Critchley 36, Josh de Caires 7-105). Essex 1pt, Middlesex 3pts. Umpires: Ian Blackwell, Russell Warren
Can Do
The two-tier MDS Civil Engineering Stand at the River (Can) End of the County Ground, Chelmsford. Captured towards the end of the first day's play in a scheduled four-day County Championship fixture between Essex and Middlesex. Title-chasing Essex, who have played at the County Ground since 1925, went on to win by 297 runs, with a day to spare.
An important fixture for each team (welcome, this late in the season) produced an interesting day’s play. With the sun beating down, Essex, on winning the toss, did the obvious and chose to bat. Left-handers Nick Browne (59) and Alastair Cook (58) gave them a solid start, putting on 122 for the first wicket. The 40-minute lunch break did nothing for either’s concentration, however, and spinner Josh de Caires (Michael Atherton’s son) removed both soon after the second session began. The tireless de Caires went on to bowl a whopping 38 overs, finishing with eight maidens and 7-105.
Middlesex will be disappointed they couldn’t bowl out Essex, whose last pair stood firm, even against the new ball. After the hosts’ mini-collapse to 169-5, Adam Rossington (37) and Matt Critchley (36) got Essex back on course by adding 66 for the sixth wicket. Superb catches, just inside the boundary rope, by Luke Hollman and Mark Stoneman. Dashing Indian Umesh Yadav marked his Essex debut with a six in a quickfire 18.
Match statistics
Essex versus Middlesex @ County Ground, Chelmsford
County Championship, Division One (day one of four, 10.30am start)
Admission: £14. Scorecard: £1. Attendance: 2,500 (estimate). Essex won the toss and elected to bat. Essex 303-9 off 96 overs (Nick Browne 59, Alastair Cook 58, Adam Rossington 37, Matt Critchley 36, Josh de Caires 7-105). Essex 1pt, Middlesex 3pts. Umpires: Ian Blackwell, Russell Warren