BBC SPORT | COUNTIES | Habib pulls Essex closer

County Championship D2, Worcester: Essex 316-4 v Worcestershire 367 all out

Aftab Habib was on the verge of his second century for new county Essex after saving the visitors from early trouble at New Road.

Habib came to the crease with Essex 80 for two, chasing Worcestershire's first innings 367, after Paul Grayson and Richard Clinton had been dismissed cheaply.

But he formed productive partnerships with Darren Robinson, Andy Flower and captain Ronnie Irani to take Essex past a third batting bonus point.

At stumps he was 96 not out, after four-and-a-half hours at the crease, with his side 316 for four - still 51 runs behind.

Alamgir Sheriyar
Sheriyar took two wickets for Worcs
Robinson hit a considered 71, from 181 deliveries, before falling to the veteran medium pace of David Leatherdale.

Former Zimbabwe skipper Flower hit a more breezy 45 before becoming a second victim for Alamgir Sheriyar.

But Ronnie Irani brought the most stability in an unbroken 98-run partnership with habib, contributing 46 not out, with three fours and two sixes off a tiring attack.


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