Essex Fight Back with Unbroken Century Stand to Keep Warwickshire Hopes Alive

Essex's hopes of an unlikely victory over Warwickshire in the Vitality County Championship were boosted by an unbroken century stand between Jordan Cox and Matt Critchley on day three at Chelmsford.

Set a daunting target of 330 to win in 170 overs, Essex were in dire straits at 2 for 2, but Cox (77*) and Critchley (46*) rescued the innings with a composed partnership worth 112 in 37 overs. Cox became only the third player in the match to reach fifty, while Critchley played a supporting role with some aggressive shots.

Essex's chase had started disastrously when Feroze Khushi was trapped lbw first ball, and Nick Browne was caught in the covers by a stunning diving catch from Che Simmons. However, Elgar and Westley steadied the ship, putting on a 50-run partnership before Westley was dismissed for 18.

Cox's arrival at the crease accelerated the scoring rate, and he and Elgar added 47 in 12 overs. Elgar eventually fell for 60, but Critchley continued to attack, hitting a six over long-on off Yates.

Warwickshire had opted not to enforce the follow-on despite their substantial first-innings lead of 235 runs. However, their second innings lasted just 75 minutes in the morning session, as Essex spinners Critchley and Simon Harmer shared seven wickets.

Rae was bowled by Harmer, while Burgess was caught at midwicket off Critchley. Chris Benjamin, who was called up as a concussion substitute for Sam Hain, nicked to Cox at slip. Jacob Bethell hit two boundaries off Critchley before skying a catch to the bowler. Harmer wrapped up the innings when Simmons was caught on the long-on fence by Westley.

Essex will resume on the final day needing 106 runs to win with six wickets in hand. A victory would be a remarkable turnaround after their poor start to the chase.

Tags: #VitalityCountyChampionship, #Essex, #Warwickshire, #JordanCox, #MattCritchley