Cricket

Essex's Paul Walter and Matt Critchley staged a valiant fightback on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash with Durham, rescuing their side from a precarious position.Durham had amassed a mammoth 587 in their first innings, with Ollie Robinson's flawless 198 leading the charge. Essex's bowlers toiled hard, but the Durham batsmen proved relentless, piling on 142 runs in the morning session to secure maximum batting points.In response, Essex found themselves in trouble at 120 for 4, with Durham's fast bowlers making early inroads. However, Walter and Critchley combined for a crucial 129-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding Essex to a more respectable 249 for 4 at the close of play.Walter, in particular, was in imperious form, striking 80 not out off just 103 deliveries. His innings included a six and 10 fours, showcasing his aggressive intent. Critchley, on the other hand, played a more measured role, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 111 balls.Earlier, Robinson had continued his impressive form for Durham, reaching his 150 with the third ball of the day. The former Kent man looked set for a double century before edging behind for 198. His innings was a testament to his class and England Test credentials.Essex's spinners, Simon Harmer and Critchley, claimed eight wickets between them, but the Durham batsmen proved too strong on the day. Harmer conceded 188 runs, the most he has ever conceded in a Championship innings.Despite the deficit, Essex will take heart from Walter and Critchley's partnership. The duo showed great resilience and determination, giving their side a glimmer of hope in a match that had seemed to be slipping away.

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.

Essex's batting prowess remains unyielding as they amassed a formidable 421 for 6 on the opening day of their County Championship clash against Kent at Chelmsford. Dean Elgar, the former South African Test opener, led the charge with a composed 120, while Jordan Cox, a promising England prospect, contributed a fluent 67. Matt Critchley remained unbeaten on 103* at stumps, ensuring Essex's dominance.Elgar's innings was a masterclass in application and precision. He occupied the crease for 176 balls, anchoring Essex's innings with his trademark grit and determination. Cox, on the other hand, played with a youthful exuberance, showcasing his wide range of strokes and impressive footwork.The pair's 159-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for Essex's imposing total. They weathered the early storm caused by Kent's seamers, who dismissed Tom Westley and Feroz Khushi cheaply. However, the introduction of Matt Parkinson's legspin proved to be a catalyst for Essex's acceleration.Cox took full advantage of Parkinson's loose deliveries, smashing him for 13 runs in his first over. Elgar, too, stepped up his scoring rate, driving the ball with authority. Cox's dismissal for 67 did little to halt Essex's momentum, as Critchley joined Elgar in a fluent partnership.Elgar's departure for 120 was a minor setback, but Paul Walter and Michael Pepper continued the onslaught. Walter struck three sixes before falling to Parkinson, while Pepper peppered the boundary with his powerful shots. Critchley, the epitome of composure, guided Essex through the second new ball and remained unbeaten at the close.Essex's batting performance was a testament to their depth and quality. They showed no signs of complacency after their opening-week victory at Trent Bridge, and their dominance suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with in this year's County Championship.