Ten Doeschate's last-over heroics were not enough to save Essex

An astonishing tied match saw 2006's Pro40 champions Essex relegated - while Northamptonshire now face a play-off against Division Two's Middlesex.

Alastair Cook carried his bat as Essex were bowled out for 204, scoring 81 not out, while Lance Klusener took 4-40.

Northants looked in control, and needed to score just three runs off the final over, bowled by Ryan ten Doeschate.

But David Sales (79) was caught off the last ball of the innings going for the winning run as the game was tied.

Skipper Sales hit two sixes and eight fours in his 109-ball innings, adding 73 with Riki Wessels (39) and 60 with Klusener, who made 24 not out.

But although ten Doeschate's last-over heroics, having Sales caught at mid-off by James Middlebrook, forced the tie, they were not enough to prevent Essex from finishing bottom of the table.

A win would have seen them trade places with the home side, for whom England spinner Monty Panesar, playing his first one-day county game of the season, took 2-32 from his eight overs.