A fiery century from both Tom Westley and Dan Lawrence did more than enough to compensate for a washed-out Day 1. Essex are now in complete control against Derbyshire. Chris Rushworth’s five-for has given an upper edge to Durham against Worcestershire in the other fixture of the Group 1 of the County Championship.
Durham vs Worcestershire, Chester-le-Street
Durham 246 (Lees 99; Tongue 5-39) and 79/1 lead Worcestershire 213 (Fell 44; Rushworth 5-56) by 112 runs
Chris Rushworth’s 5-56 put Durham in front as Worcestershire could only manage 213 in the first innings. Worcestershire lost both Daryl Mitchell and Jack Libby early on Day 2. Tom Fell held the fort for quite some time as wickets kept falling at the other end.
Fell survived a leg-before scare. Scott Borthwick dropped an easy catch of his at second slip. But he could not make the most of it as Brydon Carse uprooted his stumps soon after.
Joe Leach’s late resistance, coupled with handy contributions from Josh Tongue and Charlie Morris, helped Worcestershire chip away some runs from the deficit.
Morris then provided his team with an early breakthrough by bowling Alex Lees through the gates. Borthwick and Will Young then held their nerves, batting out the day to stretch Durham’s lead to 112 runs.
Essex v Derbyshire, Chelmsford
Essex 412/3 decl. (Lawrence 152*, Westley 106; Stanlake 2-91) lead Derbyshire 35/3 (Guest 14*; Harmer 2-12)
Centuries from captain Tom Westley and Dan Lawrence helped Essex declare at 412/3 before three quick wickets in the evening pushed Derbyshire on the back foot.
With England’s squad for the upcoming Test series to be announced in few days, there could hardly have been a better time for Lawrence to bring his fastest Test century. He took just 133 balls for his unbeaten 152. Westley was not far behind in terms of strike rate as his 106 came off in 112 deliveries.
In reply, Derbyshire lost three batters for just 35. Simon Harmer got two of these, while Lawrence removed Billy Godleman.