Cricket

Essex's Tom Westley and Paul Walter rescued their team from a precarious position with a commanding 142-run fifth-wicket partnership against Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship. Westley's unbeaten 108 from 214 balls, his highest score of the season, anchored the Essex innings, while Walter's aggressive 72 from 106 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, provided the impetus.Essex's innings had been in danger of collapse at 86 for 4 when the pair came together. Westley, who arrived in the sixth over, remained at the crease for 68 overs, guiding Essex to a commanding 262 for 5 at the close of a day interrupted by rain.Walter's big hitting under the Chelmsford floodlights propelled him to his third half-century in his last six innings. His only previous century this season came against Durham in June.Nottinghamshire's bowlers toiled throughout the day, but pace bowler Rob Lord, 23, impressed in only his second Championship game, claiming two of the first four Essex wickets. He finished with figures of 2 for 53 from 15 overs.On a damp and overcast day, Nottinghamshire elected to field first, seeking their second victory of the season. However, Essex lost Dean Elgar cheaply to Lord, and Robin Das was caught at second slip for 20 after being dropped earlier.Luke Fletcher bowled unchanged for 13 overs either side of lunch, troubling Westley with his pace and accuracy. He eventually dismissed Matt Critchley with a delivery that jagged back.Debutant Luc Benkenstein's first scoring shot in first-class cricket was a delightful pull for four, but he was dismissed next ball by Lord.As the conditions eased and the ball softened, Westley and Walter began to build their partnership. Westley's half-century took 79 balls, while Walter played his way in carefully before unleashing some elegant shots.The pair put on the first fifty of their partnership in just six overs, and Westley reached his own half-century with a flowing off-drive against Fletcher. Walter also played his way in carefully before whipping James off his legs for a first boundary and then twice lofting Farhan Ahmed to the rope behind the bowler.Westley pulled Lord to fine leg to mark the pair's century partnership in 26 overs. Next ball, Walter pulled the bowler through square leg for his eighth boundary to bring up a 65-ball fifty. He then welcomed the introduction of Liam Patterson-White's spin with a four and a six to long-off.The pair were finally parted after 42 overs when Walter went to sweep Ahmed but got a leading edge that looped up to gully. However, soon afterwards, some careless fielding by the visitors handed Westley five runs courtesy of overthrows, which took him to three figures from 193 balls.

Paul Walter, the all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat's BBL title triumph last season, is set to return to the competition after being nominated for next month's draft. Walter, a left-arm seamer and hard-hitting batter, became a fan favorite for Heat, claiming 17 wickets and earning a spot in the team of the tournament.Heat holds retention rights for Walter, giving them the option to bring him back if another team attempts to select him. Walter's full availability, including the finals, makes him a valuable asset for Heat, who boast a diverse bowling attack featuring Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and spin twins Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson."I think we've got the best bowling unit in the competition," Walter said during last season's campaign. "I feel like I complement the rest of the attack quite well, and we've been good at managing games."English cricketers dominate the list of nominees, but most have limited availability due to England's Test series in New Zealand and limited-overs tour of India. However, players like Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke are likely to attract interest. Legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season but withdrew due to international commitments, has nominated again.Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, who Melbourne Stars have retention rights for, has full availability, as does slingy fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season.In the WBBL, England players are also well-represented among the nominees. Dani Gibson, who played a crucial role in the Hundred final, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season, striking at 147.43 and claiming 10 wickets. She has full availability, although England has a T20I series against South Africa that overlaps with the WBBL finals.South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was initially nominated with full availability, now has availability of six to nine games. Strikers are the only club yet to name a pre-draft signing, but they are expected to fill that spot next week.

Essex's clinical performance in the "Battle of the Bridge" against Kent Spitfires propelled them to a crucial 22-run victory, solidifying their position in the Vitality Blast quarter-final race.Sam Cook, returning from a hamstring injury, played a pivotal role in Essex's triumph, claiming a crucial wicket for 21 runs. The Eagles' batting lineup showcased their depth, with Adam Rossington, Dean Elgar, Michael Pepper, and Matt Critchley all contributing valuable runs. Paul Walter emerged as the standout performer, remaining unbeaten on 46.Essex's innings witnessed three distinct phases. The powerplay belonged to Rossington, who smashed 36 runs, while Elgar provided stability. Pepper took over the aggressive mantle, hitting three consecutive fours off Joey Evison and a four-six combo against Matt Parkinson.However, Kent fought back, with Parkinson dismissing Elgar and Pepper in quick succession. Walter and Critchley then combined for a crucial 67-run partnership in the final five overs, ensuring a competitive total of 187.Kent's chase began promisingly, with Tawanda Muyeye scoring a T20 best of 73. However, Essex's bowlers gradually tightened their grip, with Simon Harmer and Aron Nijjar claiming key wickets. Muyeye's dismissal proved to be the turning point, as Kent lost their way, scoring only 53 runs in the last eight overs.Cook and Walter calmly guided Essex home, securing the victory and keeping their quarter-final hopes alive. The win also reversed the trend at the Cloud County Ground, where teams batting first had struggled in recent matches.

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.