COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, Chelmsford:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY TWO: Essex 154 & 265-4 v Nottinghamshire 180
Essex 3pts, Notts 3pts
Match scorecard

Mickleburgh has a highest score of 174 this summer

John Maunders, Jaik Mickleburgh and Matt Walker all hit half-centuries to bat Essex into a strong position on day two against Nottinghamshire.

Notts began the day on 126-5 in reply to Essex's 154, but saw paceman Maurice Chambers finish with a career-best 6-68 as they were bowled out for 180.

Essex then lost Billy Godleman early on before Mickleburgh (91) shared century stands with both Maunders and Walker.

Walker fell just before stumps as Essex closed on 265-4, a lead of 239.

After taking three wickets on the opening day, it did not take Chambers long to make an impact, having Chris Read and Paul Franks both caught behind and bowling Andre Adams in his four-over spell.

Danish Kaneria then wrapped things up by removing Luke Fletcher and Charlie Shreck in the same over but not before Ali Brown, who finished unbeaten on 50, had batted the visitors into a slender first innings lead.

Essex were still in arrears when Shreck had Godleman caught in the gully before the two century stands handed the hosts the initiative.

The first, between Mickleburgh and Maunders was worth 104 and only broken when Maunders, after making 70, chased a leg-side delivery from Shreck and was caught behind.

That was followed by a partnership of 106 in 21 overs between Mickleburgh and Walker, who was awarded his county cap during the tea interval.

It ended when Mickleburgh was trapped leg before by Samit Patel, and although Walker fell for 70 just before the close, Essex will begin day three with a strong platform from which to try and claim only their second County Championship victory of the summer.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version