Hampshire: Adam Lyth, Finlay Bean, James Wharton, Abdullah Shafique, Jonny Bairstow (c & wk), Matthew Revis, George Hill, Will Sutherland, Dom Bess, Jack White, Ben Coad.
Essex: Dean Elgar, Paul Walter, Tom Westley (c), Jordan Cox, Matt Critchley, Charlie Allison, Michael Pepper (wk), Noah Thain, Simon Harmer, Shane Snater, Khaleel Ahmed
Umpires: Michael Gough & Peter Hartley
Match Referee: Will Smith
Toss: Essex won the toss and chose to bat first
Yorkshire completed a notable come-from behind victory over fellow Rothesay County Championship strugglers Essex after tea on day four at York to leapfrog them in the Division One table at the end of the ninth round.
Essex are now second-bottom in the table, three points behind their hosts, who chased a nominal target of 41 to win by 10 wickets and secure their second win of the summer.
Essex’s third defeat came as they were bowled out for 131 in their second innings, which had started with them 91 behind. They will be mightily frustrated at letting things slip on day three when Yorkshire were 273 for eight in reply to a first-innings 368.
While Matthew Revis and Ben Coad were the ones who turned the tide for Yorkshire, new-ball seamer Jack White supplemented their good work with an excellent four for 37 from 20.1 overs in the second innings and seven wickets in the match.
All-rounder Revis hit a first-innings 150 and struck once with the ball today, removing England fringe batter Jordan Cox for 55. Seamer Coad hit a career best 89 and completed an excellent three for 33 from 17 overs.
Yorkshire struck three times during a 55-minute morning session which was bookended by rain. Coad and new-ball partner White did the damage as Essex slipped to 48 for six in 28 overs. The visitors had started on 33 for three.
Nightwatchman Simon Harmer sliced a low catch to Abdullah Shafique diving forwards at gully, handing Coad a third wicket of the innings, before White trapped Matt Critchley lbw pushing forwards and sent Charlie Allison’s off-stump cartwheeling.
Critchley was one of the chief protagonists in denying Yorkshire a fourth-day victory at Chelmsford in May with a rearguard 75. Here, he failed to score as the visitors came under increasing pressure.
Play was due to restart following an early lunch at 1.25pm, though more rain briefly delayed things as the players scuttled back in when ready to go.
When play did get underway, with a minimum of 68 overs remaining and Essex 48 for six, Cox and Michael Pepper frustrated the hosts by sharing 59 to take their county into the lead.
Wicketkeeper-batter Pepper had combined with Critchley in that aforementioned May fixture to bat through the vast majority of the first two sessions of day four, contributing a dogged 68.
And similar determination was required in the Minster City for Essex side who, when all was said and done, were hurt badly by the absence of bowling spearheads Sam Cook (England Test duty) and Jamie Porter (paternity leave).
It was somewhat of a surprise to see Cox drive expansively against Matthew Revis’s seam, getting an under-edge behind shortly after reaching his fifty off 89 balls. That left Essex at 107 for seven, leading by 16.
And it was bordering on shock when Pepper edged behind a similarly aggressive cut against White almost seven overs later, leaving Essex at 114 for eight with a lead of 23.
Dom Bess’s off-spin bowled Noah Thain shortly afterwards before White wrapped things up by getting Khaleel Ahmed caught at second slip by Adam Lyth, signalling tea.
After the break, Yorkshire dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s on a 20-point haul to jump up to eighth in the table.
Openers Lyth and Fin Bean, the latter on his home ground, reached the target in nine overs. Lyth finished with 15 and Bean 18.
Centurion Matthew Revis and Ben Coad combined to a post a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership of 169 and fashion a Yorkshire day three turnaround to give themselves hope of a Rothesay County Championship victory against Essex at York.
Second-bottom Yorkshire and Essex just above them in the Division One table were separated by 14 points ahead of a ninth-round fixture which had advanced to the White Rose county starting this day’s play on 143 for three in reply to a first-innings 368.
Shane Snater’s seam helped reduce the hosts to 273 for eight after lunch, claiming three more wickets to add to a solitary strike on day two. Yorkshire were 95 behind at that stage.
However, things changed dramatically as all-rounder Revis and new-ball seamer Coad positively scored runs at will against an increasingly ragged Essex attack. Both men posted career best scores, Revis with 150 off 187 balls and Coad 89 off 110 in a 459 all out total.
Essex started their second innings with 16 overs remaining in the day, trailing by 91, and closed on 33 for three. Coad struck twice with the new ball.
Revis and Coad united for the best part of 33 overs to amass the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership for any county against Essex in a first-class match.
Essex struck three times during a morning which had started with Yorkshire on 143 for three, with Adam Lyth on 65 and captain Jonny Bairstow on 14.
Bairstow was involved in an engaging battle with Indian overseas left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed on a pitch which remains placid.
The former cut two boundaries before falling caught behind for 29 when trying to uppercut another, leaving the hosts 169 for four after 61 overs - the seventh of the day.
Lyth batted with a calf injury picked up during the latter stages of day two and edged behind a checked drive against Snater on 84, passing 14,000 career runs in the Championship in the process.
That was the first of two wickets for the Dutch international in as many overs with the new ball as Yorkshire fell to 228 for six in the 84th over, with George Hill trapped lbw on the back pad pushing forwards.
After lunch, Simon Harmer’s off-spin ousted Will Sutherland lbw before Dom Bess was caught behind down the leg-side, handing Snater a fourth wicket and leaving Yorkshire eight down, 95 behind and in some trouble.
Sandwiched in between the seventh and eighth wickets, Revis reached his fifty off 89 balls - his second in as many innings after 93 not out against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge last week.
What came next, few would have predicted.
Revis and Coad pinched a second batting point and denied Essex a third bowling point.
Revis played confidently through the off-side off front foot and back against seam and spin, later heaving two huge leg-side sixes off Noah Thain’s seam.
Coad hoisted two sixes off spin over long-on and straight in reaching his fifty off 69 balls.
Yorkshire had secured a lead of two by the time they reached tea at 370 for eight, with Revis unbeaten on 94 and Coad celebrating his second career fifty - and his second against Essex after 69 at Headingley in a 2022 defeat.
Revis reached his ton, off 151 balls, inside the opening 10 minutes of the evening and later his maiden 150 off 185 as Essex struggled to finish off the tail - something they have struggled with all summer.
Coad was understandably frustrated when bowled by Matt Critchley’s leg-spin, 11 runs short of what would have been a maiden century. And Revis then holed out to long-on against the same bowler.
That left Yorkshire with an hour’s bowling against an Essex top order now under unexpected pressure.
And that pressure only mounted as Coad continued to influence proceedings.
He removed Paul Walter and Tom Westley for ducks as Essex’s second innings slipped to six for two, the former trapped lbw and the latter another batter to be caught behind down leg.
And when Hill bowled Dean Elgar with a beauty late in the day, Essex were 28 for three.
The Rothesay County Championship clash between Division One strugglers Yorkshire and Essex is nicely poised at its midway point after an engaging day two at York.
The opening day was a slow-burner which saw Essex close on 248 for three.
But things were different upon the resumption this morning, with Yorkshire claiming the last seven Essex wickets for 95 on a placid Clifton Park pitch, bowling the visitors out for 368 during the early stages of the afternoon.
Yorkshire then closed on 143 for three from 54 overs, including opener Adam Lyth’s 65 not out off 172 balls. They trail by 225.
This was a tireless display from a Yorkshire bowling unit who gained little reward on day one, with new-ball seamer Jack White returning three for 68 from 27 overs.
He, alongside George Hill and Dom Bess, struck twice during the first half of day two, while Noah Thain compiled an unbeaten 50 not out off 81 balls.
Thain was then one of Essex’s three wicket-takers before close via his seamers, alongside Shane Snater and Simon Harmer. Like Yorkshire’s bowlers had done, Essex’s bowlers also stuck to their task well in difficult conditions.
Essex’s innings was a curious affair, highlighted by the fact they batted through 110 overs on a pitch lacking pace for 278 for six and only one batting bonus point. They really did seem to get stuck between a rock and hard place today. Unable to attack whilst being unable to survive.
While Yorkshire didn’t race away in their reply, they started more positively than Essex had batted. Lyth drove particularly well.
The White Rose county struck three times in five overs for the addition of only three runs just before midday as Essex slipped from 273 for three in the 104th over to 276 for six in the 109th. With it, Yorkshire secured a second bowling point.
Hill claimed two of those wickets, with England fringe batter Jordan Cox caught behind for 33 playing off the back foot and Charlie Allison caught slicing to point.
Thain shared a seventh-wicket 56 with Michael Pepper through until early afternoon and reached his fifty off the last ball that he faced, with the last four wickets falling for 36.
Off-spinner Bess picked up two of those. He had Harmer caught at slip and Snater caught at long-on.
Yorkshire openers Fin Bean and Lyth then started their reply confidently either side of the tea break, sharing 81 on a pitch lacking pace.
Both men pulled confidently, with Bean looking a completely different player to the one who had posted a top-score of only 31 in the first seven games.
An impressive 224 on a similarly slow pitch against leaders Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge has done wonders for his confidence.
It will, therefore, have been a major frustration to him that he couldn’t go on beyond 31 here as, after tea, he was caught behind down leg off Snater’s seam in the 27th over.
James Wharton then drilled Harmer’s off-spin to mid-on having advanced down the pitch looking to hit over the top - 110 for two in the 34th over.
One man who did go on was Lyth. Sandwiched in between the two wickets, he reached 50 for the seventh time this season, this one off 110 balls.
But the fixture’s fourth leg-side strangle did for Pakistani overseas debutant Abdullah Shafique for four as Thain left Yorkshire at 125 for three in the 41st over. Pepper took a brilliant one-handed catch going to his left.
Survival was the main aim for Lyth and Jonny Bairstow late on. The former was stuck on 63 from the 39th over until the day’s last. He navigated the threat of Harmer, who was excellent for one for 18 from 15 overs.
Early morning wickets on day three will put eighth-placed Essex in a strong position, whereas second-bottom Yorkshire will know batting big is imperative for their own victory hopes.
Captain Tom Westley’s determined 107 represented his second successive century in the Rothesay County Championship as his Essex side enjoyed a healthy but not dominant day one against relegation rivals Yorkshire at York.
Former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar fell narrowly short of scoring his first century of the season, falling for an opening 94 off 248 balls late on during an attritional day which Essex closed on 248 for three from 96 overs.
Westley, who hit 12 fours in 239 balls, shared 198 for the second wicket with left-handed Elgar from early morning to late evening.
The pair came together with the score on 24 during the opening exchanges of a Division One clash which had started with Westley opting to bat first on a glorious Minster City day.
Yorkshire and Essex came into contest separated by 14 points in the table, the former occupying ninth place - the second relegation spot ahead of Worcestershire - and the latter in eighth.
Elgar will be mightily frustrated at not batting through the entire day, while Westley has had quite the week. Both fell against the second new ball to seamers Will Sutherland and Ben Coad.
This Westley innings coming hot on the heels of his 130 not out on the final day against Hampshire at Chelmsford on Wednesday, helping to secure a draw when a defeat had been a distinct possibility at the start of the day.
Both sides handed debuts to a trio of overseas players between them.
Australian all-rounder Sutherland and Pakistani batter Abdullah Shafique are playing only one match apiece for Yorkshire, with Indian seamer Khaleel Ahmed starting his half-season stint with Essex.
Essex enjoyed much the better of the morning, despite losing opener Paul Walter caught at second slip off a leading edge as he looked to whip Jack White to leg in the 10th over.
Elgar’s first of 11 boundaries was beautifully pushed down the ground off George Hill’s bowling and later reached his fifty off 116 balls - in the same over which saw Westley get to the same milestone off 90.
By that stage, Essex were 117 for one in the 39th.
Westley was the more aggressive of the two batters, though neither were able to cut loose from a Yorkshire bowling attack who kept things tight with the Kookaburra ball and kicked the door ajar late on.
Aside from a lack of wickets, there weren’t a plethora of chances created by Yorkshire’s bowlers, who had to deal with a lack of movement and pace in the pitch.
The one obvious one that did arrive, Adam Lyth was unable to hold on at slip off Dom Bess’s off-spin with Elgar on 69 shortly before tea, where Essex reached at 164 for one from 64 overs.
The day’s first of only five extras came at the start of the 67th over, a leg bye as Bess bowled to Elgar. That indicated the discipline from Yorkshire’s bowling attack.
The hope is that the pitch will break up as the contest goes on to bring the likes of Bess and Essex’s off-spinner Simon Harmer more into things.
If not, supporters and players alike could be in for a long four days.
When Westley, who was classy on the drive, reached his latest century off 227 balls, Essex were 206 for one in the 83rd over, the new ball now in operation.
However, both fell in successive overs as Essex fell from 222 for one to 226 for three in the 87th.
Westley was trapped lbw playing back against Coad before pulling Elgar was caught behind one-handed down leg by Bairstow off Sutherland.
Batter Jordan Cox will begin day two unbeaten on 13.
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Following the draw at home to Hampshire in the last round of the Rothesay County Championship, Essex Men head up north to face Yorkshire in round nine.
Although falling short of victory, the draw against Hampshire provided plenty of positives for the Eagles as they look to climb the Division One table.
In the first innings, Charlie Allison scored his second first-class century, making it back-to-back tons following his last one at the Oval against Surrey the previous month.
Debutant Mackenzie Jones claimed his first wicket for the Club, dismissing Liam Dawson, who was caught behind by Michael Pepper.
Needing to bat for over a day and a half to avoid defeat and secure a draw, Club Captain Tom Westley led from the front with a brilliantly anchored innings, scoring 130 not out from 322 balls, supported by Michael Pepper who celebrated his birthday with a superb century, ending on 140 from just 154 balls.
Honours were even as Essex claimed the draw and took 10 points from the match, ahead of the upcoming visit to York Cricket Club to face Yorkshire.
Hear Tom Westley's thoughts after the conclusion of the draw against Hampshire.
Chris Silverwood has named a 13-player squad for the trip up north to face Yorkshire, which includes new Indian overseas signing Khaleel Ahmed and Academy graduate Charlie Bennett.
Sam Cook misses out due to being selected in the England Men's Test squad for their second match of the India series at Edgbaston.
Jamie Porter also misses out after picking up a minor calf strain during training in the week. Porter is progressing well with his rehab.
Yorkshire find themselves struggling in Division One this season following their promotion from Division Two last year.
Under the new leadership duo of former Essex head coach Anthony McGrath and captain Jonny Bairstow, the side based at Headingley find themselves in the bottom two with one win and two draws in the eight rounds that have been played.
Yorkshire's previous result in the last round of the County Championship resulted in a draw against table toppers Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Dan Moriarty led the wicket-takers with 4 wickets, and Finlay Bean top-scored with a mammoth 224 runs off 489 balls.
Yorkshire squad: tbc
Anthony McGrath and Mick Lewis' first return to Chelmsford came close to ending in victory, but a disciplined and determined batting display ensured the match ended in a draw after a four-day showdown.
Matt Critchley and Michael Pepper knuckled down for a monumental fifth-wicket stand of 154 in 77 overs on the final day to steer Essex to the unlikeliest of Rothesay County Championship draws against Yorkshire at Chelmsford.
The pair came together in the depths of despair at 45-4 on the evening of day three and batted for four-and-a-half hours together, spanning 458 balls, and looking to have made it through two complete sessions on the final day. Pepper, though, fell to the last ball before tea on day four after a 229-ball 68 that included five fours and two sixes.
Critchley followed after the interval for 75 from 246 balls as Yorkshire scented their second win of the season with three wickets in 21 balls. However, last-wicket pair Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter saw out the final 38 minutes and 82 balls to prevent a second successive defeat.
George Hill dismissed both batmen to return career-best match figures of 9-82, supported by Jack White’s season’s best 4-43, but to no avail as Yorkshire toiled in vain for one more wicket.
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
Supporters are encouraged to bring their own seats for the Rothesay County Championship fixture vs Essex. One temporary stand will be in operation for this fixture.
Dogs are not permitted with the exception of guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf.
York CC is a cashless venue.
Catering units and bar facilities will be available around the ground.
Pass out slips can be obtained from both entry points. All customers are reminded that only a valid ticket together with the pass out slip allows re-admission.
Spectators will be allowed to bring into the stadium a maximum of 4 × 440ml containers of beer, lager or soft drinks or 1 × 70cl container of wine. For these games only, the containers may include cans. Please note glass is not permitted at any time.
York Park & Ride will be running with buses calling at the Clifton Park stops, located a short distance from the ground. Normal timetables and fares will apply. The Rawcliffe Bar P&R services will also be available. Other less frequent routes (operated by Reliance) serve all stops on Shipton Road. Buses 29, 30 and 31x which connect Easingwold, York and various villages will also be available.
Address: York Cricket Club, Clifton Park, Shipton Road, York, YO30 5RE.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club have stated that tickets for the match at York Cricket Club must be bought in advance and can be purchased online here or by calling 0344 504 3099.
Essex Cricket are thrilled to announce the signing of Indian seamer Khaleel Ahmed until the end of the season.
Born in Tonk, Rajasthan, Khaleel Ahmed is a left-arm fast-medium bowler and right-handed batter and will be available to play for the Club until the conclusion of the 2025 season - available for both the Rothesay County Championship and the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
A product of India’s Under-19 squad for the 2016 World Cup, Ahmed has represented the senior Indian Men's team on 29 occasions, which includes eleven ODIs and eighteen T20Is.
Since making his ODI debut in 2018 against Hong Kong, Ahmed has taken 15 wickets in his 11 ODI appearances, at an average of 31.00 and an economy rate of 5.81, with best figures of 3-13.
Featuring for Rajasthan in India’s domestic List A structure, he has played 63 matches, taking 92 wickets at an average of 27.92, with best figures of 4-35.
Ahmed’s abilities are not limited to white-ball cricket; he has also represented Rajasthan in first-class cricket on 20 occasions. In Indian conditions, he has taken 56 red-ball wickets at a healthy average of 27.67, with best figures of 5-37.
The 27-year-old was part of the India A squad that faced the England Lions at the start of June, playing in the first game at Northampton.
Ahmed took four wickets in the first innings from 19 overs, dismissing James Rew, George Hill, Chris Woakes, and our very own Jordan Cox.
On signing for the Club, Khaleel Ahmed said: “I am thrilled to sign for Essex.
"I have heard a lot about the rich history of the Club, and I’m excited to be part of it and will look to make an immediate impact.
"I’m looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, meeting the loyal Essex Members and fans, and delivering performances they can be proud of.”
On the signing of Khaleel Ahmed, Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood said: “We are really pleased to be bringing Khaleel into the Club.
“We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack.
“As a left-arm seamer, he offers something different and will add a new dynamic to the squad in both the One Day Cup and the County Championship.”
Khaleel Ahmed is set to wear the number 71 and will meet up with the squad in York, to be available for selection against Yorkshire.
Drop him a follow on Instagram: @khaleelahmed13
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day One will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Essex Cricket is happy to announce that Charlie Bennett has graduated from the Academy and signed a rookie contract with the Club.
Charlie Bennett, 19, was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and developed his early cricket in the pathway of one of our National County Partners Suffolk, while playing for his club side, Copdock & Old Ipswichian Cricket Club.
The tall right-arm seam bowler joined Essex's Regional Emerging Players Programme at Under-14 and Under-15 level, before progressing to the Academy in 2023 and now plays his club cricket at Frinton.
Bennett made his Essex 2nd XI debut on 01 July 2024 against Hampshire in a T20 match at Garon Park, Southend, where he took 1/28 and scored 4* batting at number nine.
Since then, the 19-year-old has featured thirteen times for the Essex 2nd XI, taking a total of 20 wickets, with best figures of 3-52 against Yorkshire 2nd XI in May this year.
On 21 July 2024, Bennett also played for Suffolk in a Metro Bank One Day Cup warm-up match against Essex, taking the wickets of Luc Benkenstein and Jamal Richards in a 28-run victory for Essex.
On signing the contract, Bennett said: "I am really excited to get this opportunity at such a great cricket club.
"I would like to thank Barry Hyam, James Clifford and Kemsley Robb for all their hard work and help so far during my development.
"I hope this is the start of a long and successful career in cricket."
Essex Cricket Player Pathway Manager, James Clifford said: "It's fantastic to see Charlie rewarded with this rookie contract.
"He has consistently shown determination, skill, and perseverance throughout his time in the Emerging Players Programme and Academy.
"We look forward to seeing him contribute to many more games for Essex in the future."
Charlie Bennett will wear the number 85 shirt and we all wish him the best for the season!
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day One will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Ambassador Cruise Line is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated 2027/28 sailings – the perfect opportunity to plan your next unforgettable cruise adventure!
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Essex: Dean Elgar, Paul Walter, Tom Westley (c), Jordan Cox, Matt Critchley, Charlie Allison, Michael Pepper (wk), Simon Harmer, Shane Snater, Sam Cook, Makenzie Jones.
Hampshire: Fletcha Middleton, Ali Orr, Nick Gubbins, Ben Brown (c & wk), Tilak Varma, Tom Prest, Liam Dawson, Felix Organ, James Fuller, Kyle Abbott, Eddie Jack.
Umpires: Rob Bailey & James Middlebrook
Match Referee: Peter Such
Scorers: Paul Parkinson & Fiona Newnham
Toss: Essex won the toss and chose to bat first
Result: Match Drawn
Tom Westley and Michael Pepper combined for a 215-run sixth-wicket partnership that frustrated Hampshire and ultimately saved Essex from suffering their third Rothesay County Championship defeat of the season.
The pair came together at 131-5, still 26 runs short of making Hampshire bat again, and were not parted for nearly three-and-a-half hours. Slowly but surely they took the game out of the visitors’ grip that had looked strong after gaining a first-innings lead of 157. Pepper was the hare to Westley’s tortoise, but both batsmen clocked up contrasting centuries, Westley his 30th in red-ball cricket and Pepper his highest first-class score.
When handskakes were exchanged to signal the draw at 4.50pm, the Essex captain had batted for all but 12 overs of the 119 Essex faced in their second innings. He had struggled for runs this summer but his unbeaten 322-ball 130, with 12 boundaries, showed a high level of self-discipline and application.
While Westley had dug in doggedly, Pepper changed the tempo of the innings with some big-hitting before he was eventually dismissed for 140 from 154 balls, including 20 fours and a six. Pepper had also played a similar key role in partnership with Matt Critchley to help Essex secure an equally unlikely draw against Yorkshire last month.
Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson added two early wickets in the morning to the pair he had in the bag overnight, but while whirling away for a marathon stint of 41 overs could not improve on figures of 4-82.
Essex had started the day requiring 49 more runs to make Hampshire bat again – or remain all day at the crease to hang on for the draw with seven wickets in hand.
Hampshire hopes were high when overnight batsman Critchley was undone by a delivery from Dawson that turned and caught him on the instep of his front leg. He had dug in for an hour and a half for his 19, and had earlier set the tone for the opening exchanges by finally claiming the first run of the day from the 29th ball.
Westley was particularly watchful, adding just a single to his overnight 50 in the opening 51 minutes and 35 balls before he went on the backfoot and drive Eddie Jack for a boundary. His concentrations was such that he added just 20 runs from 65 balls in the morning session.
First-innings centurion Charlie Allison was slightly more expansive with two fours in 31 balls before he pulled Dawson to short midwicket. That wicket fell at 11.59am; the next came at 4.30pm.
A sweep off Dawson for four by Pepper eased the Essex total into the black. It was at that point Pepper put his foot on the gas. He took 15 from an over by James Fuller, including a big yahoo for six.
Pepper then cut Jack for another boundary that brought up the fifty partnership with Westley in 11 overs, of which the wicketkeeper-batsman contributed 42. Pepper’s own half-century, reached with his eighth four, driven to long leg, took just 43 balls. The pair took another 13 overs to pass three-figures together.
Westley’s strike-rate increased in the hour after lunch when he added the 30 runs he required to reach his century, realised with a lofted drive off Dawson for his 11th boundary.
Pepper was not long in following suit, a thick edge off Jack racing away to the third-man boundary took him to second century of the season. It also brought up 150 runs scored between the pair in 40 overs.
A contrast in the pace at which the two batsmen had scored was shown starkly when Pepper caught up with Westley when both had 108; Pepper had got there in 152 balls fewer.
However, Pepper’s knock came to an end when he attempted to launch Tom Prest out of the ground but only found Kyle Abbott on the long-leg boundary.
Liam Dawson enjoyed the sort of day all-rounders dream of with a resilient century followed by two key Essex wickets as Hampshire took a firm grip on their Rothesay County Championship match at Chelmsford.
The England white-ball international’s 139 from 235 balls, and a fifth-wicket partnership of 133 with fellow centurion Tilak Varma, underpinned Hampshire’s first-innings 453. It left Essex requiring 157 just to make their opponents bat again, or survive four-and-a-half sessions to prevent a third Championship defeat of the season.
But Dawson quickly upset Essex plans by dismissing both openers inside the first 16 of 46 overs faced either side of tea on the third day. With Eddie Jack removing a subdued Jordan Cox, Essex were teetering on 108-3 at the close, still 49 runs behind.
If there was any consolation on a miserable day for Essex it was that Simon Harmer collected the 500th first-class wicket of his nine seasons at the club. At the other end of the scale, 19-year-old pace-bowling debutant Mackenzie Jones chalked up his first.
There were two milestones pending from overnight and they were completed in the opening 13 balls of the day. First, a flick of the wrists sent the ball for the two runs that took Tilak to the sixth first-class century of his nascent career. Then, at the start of the day’s third over, Harmer induced a mistimed drive from the Indian left-hander and the edge looped up into Cox’s hands at slip. Tilak’s 100 embraced 241 balls and included 11 fours and three sixes.
Dawson followed Tilak to three-figures for the 18th time in his career when he turned Sam Cook off his hip for two runs from an over that also contained two boundaries as he raced through the nineties.
Once they moved into the lead, Hampshire’s ambition was to accumulate a horde of batting points that had proved scarce this season. Dawson and Prest added 74 in 17 overs to ease them to 371-5 by the cut-off of 110 overs and increase their season’s points haul with the bat from six to nine.
All told, the sixth-wicket pair put on 98 in 28 overs before they were parted. Prest went to launch Critchley over midwicket and instead sliced the ball to backward point.
Felix Organ skied Critchley to extra cover and was quickly followed by the demise of Dawson. He became the maiden wicket for Jones, taken spectacularly one-handed low to his right by wicketkeeper Michael Pepper. But not before Dawson had contributed 14 fours and three sixes to the Hampshire cause.
Pepper was on the scorecard twice more, first to end Abbott’s cameo and provide Critchley with a fourth wicket (at a personal cost of 102), and then finish the innings by providing Cook with a belated third wicket.
Dawson’s memorable day continued apace when he got a delivery to jump out of the foot-holes and take the edge of Dean Elgar’s bat before ending Paul Walter’s uncomfortable hour at the crease.
Cox, meanwhile, had just survived a confident lbw appeal from Jack but was not so fortunate three balls later when the same bowler rapped him on his front pad and this time the shout was upheld.
Essex captain Tom Westley dug in to lead the fightback and reached his second half-century of the campaign with his fifth boundary. It had taken him 99 balls. He was kept company to stumps by Critchley, who defended even more resolutely
Liam Dawson enjoyed the sort of day all-rounders dream of with a resilient century followed by two key Essex wickets as Hampshire took a firm grip on their Rothesay County Championship match at Chelmsford.
The England white-ball international’s 139 from 235 balls, and a fifth-wicket partnership of 133 with fellow centurion Tilak Varma, underpinned Hampshire’s first-innings 453. It left Essex requiring 157 just to make their opponents bat again, or survive four-and-a-half sessions to prevent a third Championship defeat of the season.
But Dawson quickly upset Essex plans by dismissing both openers inside the first 16 of 46 overs faced either side of tea on the third day. With Eddie Jack removing a subdued Jordan Cox, Essex were teetering on 108-3 at the close, still 49 runs behind.
If there was any consolation on a miserable day for Essex it was that Simon Harmer collected the 500th first-class wicket of his nine seasons at the club. At the other end of the scale, 19-year-old pace-bowling debutant Mackenzie Jones chalked up his first.
There were two milestones pending from overnight and they were completed in the opening 13 balls of the day. First, a flick of the wrists sent the ball for the two runs that took Tilak to the sixth first-class century of his nascent career. Then, at the start of the day’s third over, Harmer induced a mistimed drive from the Indian left-hander and the edge looped up into Cox’s hands at slip. Tilak’s 100 embraced 241 balls and included 11 fours and three sixes.
Dawson followed Tilak to three-figures for the 18th time in his career when he turned Sam Cook off his hip for two runs from an over that also contained two boundaries as he raced through the nineties.
Once they moved into the lead, Hampshire’s ambition was to accumulate a horde of batting points that had proved scarce this season. Dawson and Prest added 74 in 17 overs to ease them to 371-5 by the cut-off of 110 overs and increase their season’s points haul with the bat from six to nine.
All told, the sixth-wicket pair put on 98 in 28 overs before they were parted. Prest went to launch Critchley over midwicket and instead sliced the ball to backward point.
Felix Organ skied Critchley to extra cover and was quickly followed by the demise of Dawson. He became the maiden wicket for Jones, taken spectacularly one-handed low to his right by wicketkeeper Michael Pepper. But not before Dawson had contributed 14 fours and three sixes to the Hampshire cause.
Pepper was on the scorecard twice more, first to end Abbott’s cameo and provide Critchley with a fourth wicket (at a personal cost of 102), and then finish the innings by providing Cook with a belated third wicket.
Dawson’s memorable day continued apace when he got a delivery to jump out of the foot-holes and take the edge of Dean Elgar’s bat before ending Paul Walter’s uncomfortable hour at the crease.
Cox, meanwhile, had just survived a confident lbw appeal from Jack but was not so fortunate three balls later when the same bowler rapped him on his front pad and this time the shout was upheld.
Essex captain Tom Westley dug in to lead the fightback and reached his second half-century of the campaign with his fifth boundary. It had taken him 99 balls. He was kept company to stumps by Critchley, who defended even more resolutely.
Charlie Allison made it back-to-back centuries as he steered Essex into commanding position on the first day of the Rothesay County Championship match against Hampshire at Chelmsford.
Before his 140 against Surrey last month, Allison’s highest first-class score was 28. But the 20-year-old right-hander followed up his Oval heroics with 101 when the Championship resumed after its break for the Vitality Blast.
He was the senior partner in a 107-run seventh-wicket stand with Simon Harmer, 16 years older, that carried Essex towards 292-8 at the close after they chose to bat. He also put on 66 for the fifth wicket with Matt Critchley, whose 71 came from 104 balls and included nine fours and a six.
Kyle Abbott took his season’s tally to 35 wickets with three Essex scalps, but Hampshire let slip their morning advantage as a blustery, overcast day gave way to bright evening sunshine.
Initially, it looked as if Essex’s travails of late – one win across both formats this summer – were being lain bare on a green wicket that gave encouragement to Hampshire’s seam attack.
By mid-day Essex had lost three of their top four. Paul Walter mistimed a flick off his legs low to a diving square leg, Dean Elgar was beaten for pace by John Fuller and Jordan Cox ducked into a short ball from Eddie Jack and spliced the ball high to third slip.
The premature departures did not preclude Essex handing county caps to the latter pair during the lunch interval. Former captain Graham Gooch handed one to Elgar while Cox received his from Jason Gallian, previously his cricket master at Felsted School, now chairman of the cricket committee.
Back in the middle, Critchley was putting behind him his struggles with the bat in the Vitality Blast. He contributed 38 of the 53-run fourth-wicket stand with Tom Westley that included a six over long leg off Liam Dawson and a well-timed sweep for four, also off the England white-ball spinner.
Westley was more circumspect, though the four fours in his 77-ball 28 were venomous in their execution and included one from his first ball through midwicket off Abbott and an imperious pull against Fuller. However, he departed lbw to one from Abbott that might otherwise have just clipped the top of the stumps.
Under gathering grey clouds, Critchley reached his half-century from 84 balls amid a flurry of boundaries, the milestone four pulled through midwicket off Felix Organ. Another time he went in tiptoes to late-cut Jack to the third-man rope.
Charlie Allison kept pace with Critchley and he launched Dawson effortlessly over extra cover for a six that brought up the fifty partnership in 13 overs. Later he hit another straight over the same bowler’s head. However, the stand was worth 66 when the wily Dawson had Critchley playing over a shorter-pitched delivery that looked as if it might have missed leg-stump.
Abbott had figures of 3-12 from 13 overs when he had Michael Pepper edging to the wicketkeeper. But that just brought together Allison and Harmer for a patient partnership that steadied Essex and ultimately gave them a measure of control.
Harmer brought up the hundred partnership in 33 overs when he swatted Jack to the midwicket boundary. But with Allison on 99, he turned the ball to sauare leg, the pair hesitated and Harmer sacrificed his wicket as Jack’s throw went to the bowler’s end.
Allison duly reached his century from 188 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, but one run later he dragged on to Organ and was bowled off the last ball of the day.
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Simon Harmer has etched his name deeper into Essex Cricket history after surpassing 500 first-class wickets for the Club.
The South African off-spinner claimed his 500th first-class wicket for Essex against Hampshire on June 24, dismissing Indian batter Tilak Varma, with the help of Jordan Cox, who took the catch at first slip.
Harmer joins an elite group of county legends and follows Essex teammate Jamie Porter who reached the same milestone last year.
Since joining Essex in 2017 as a Kolpak player, Harmer has been a revelation, taking 72 wickets at an average of 19.19 in his debut season, which helped the Club clinch the Division One title.
That same year, Harmer recorded his career-best innings figures of 9-95 and match figures of 14-172 against Middlesex.
Harmer's consistency has been nothing short of remarkable. He has taken over 50 wickets in every full season and was named County Championship Player of the Year in 2019 - the only non-English bowler to earn that honour.
In 2019, Harmer also captained Essex to Vitality Blast glory, securing a historic double as the Club became the first to win both the T20 Blast and the County Championship in the same season.
Now sitting on 972 first-class wickets in total, it would surprise few if Simon Harmer soon joins the exclusive 1000 wicket club. Harmer's incredible total comes from 226 matches, with a bowling average of 26.36 and 57 five-wicket hauls.
Reaching 500 first-class wickets for Essex is more than just a milestone; it symbolises Harmer’s resilience, perseverance, and exceptional skill, not just in holding up an end, but in breaking key partnerships, turning games on their head, and delivering countless match-winning moments for Essex Cricket.
Surrey v Essex Hawks
D40 Quest South
Kia Oval, London
Essex Hawks: James Ward, Joe Moss, Andrew Mowatt, Ben Aust, Matthew Edwards, Benny Fryatt, Alfie Jeeves, Martin Henderson, Matthew Thomas, Matt Norman, Joel Barker, Dan Thomas, Martyn Doe
Surrey: Michael O'Mahony, Umar Khan, Jonathan Gale, Ben Carter Martina, Jason Talmer, J Green, Joe Fisher, Luke Saunders, Toby Carter Martina, Matt Harris, Aditya Patwardhan
Umpires: Mike Stephenson and P Windsor
Surrey: 327/5 (40 overs)
Essex Hawks: 167/6 (40 overs)
Toss: Essex Hawks won the toss and elected to bowl
Result: Surrey won by 160 runs
Essex Hawks found themselves on the wrong end of a heavy D40 Quest South defeat against a powerful Surrey team in a match staged in humid conditions at the Kia Oval.
Essex battled gamely in grand surroundings. Nevertheless, chasing down Surrey's mammoth 327 for five total was always going to be a tall order.
Surrey's Michael O'Mahony scored 72, while Jason Talmer contributed 70 to the hosts' cause before both were dismissed by Essex's captain, Joe Moss.
Benny Fryatt also took two wickets, including the scalp of wicketkeeper/batter Jonathan Gale, aided by an outrageous one-handed catch on the boundary from Alfie Jeeves which drew a collective gasp from the small, but enthusiastic Oval audience. On what was a tough day, Jeeves was Essex's most economical bowler, returning figures of 8-0-35-1.
Faced with a hugely difficult task, Essex doggedly batted out their forty overs. Despite falling some way short, skipper Moss hit a half-century. His 56 came off 89 balls and included nine 4s.
Matthew Edwards hit 44 off 68 during a 79-minute stint at the crease, while Fryatt followed up his performance with the ball by scoring an unbeaten 30*.
Surrey utilised no less than nine bowlers, with Aditya Patwardhan returning 6-2-22-3 and Jason Talmer 2-1-5-2.
Although soundly beaten, it was a memorable occasion for the Essex players and their supporters, who were able to sample a matchday experience first-hand at one of the world's iconic cricketing venues.
International cricket returns to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this weekend, as we welcome England Women A, captained by Essex’s own Grace Scrivens, for a 50-over match against New Zealand Women A. It’s a fantastic opportunity to watch some of the best up-and-coming players in the women’s game at Chelmsford.
The two sides will meet again on Thursday 03 July for a T20 clash and tickets for both matches are on sale now — just £5 for Adults, £3 for Juniors, and free for Essex Members. Members do not need to purchase a ticket and can simply show their Membership card for entry.
International cricket doesn’t stop there this summer... next month, England Men’s U19s will be in action at Chelmsford as they take on India U19s in a 4-day Under 19s Test match. The match gets underway at 11am on Sunday 20 July and continues through to Wednesday 23 July.
This is a brilliant chance to watch future stars of the game up, including 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been named in the India squad for the tour.
Tickets for the U19s Test match are just £10 for Adults, £3 for Juniors, and free for Essex Members with a valid Membership card.
Secure your tickets today and come and support the stars of tomorrow - buy here
Dean Elgar and Jordan Cox have become the latest Essex players to be awarded their County Caps.
The pair, who are the 169th (Cox) and 170th (Elgar) Essex players to receive this honour, were presented with their caps during the lunch break on Day One of the home Rothesay County Championship fixture against Hampshire.
Elgar, 38, joined Essex ahead of the 2024 season and has brought vast experience and stability to the top order following his retirement from international cricket. Dean went on to reach 1,000 Championship runs in 2024 and was named Batter of the Year at the Club's annual player awards.
Wicketkeeper-batter Cox, 24, signed for the 2024 season and has quickly become a key figure in the batting line-up, impressing across red-ball and white-ball formats.
Since joining from Kent, Jordan has scored six first-class centuries for the Club and played international cricket for England.
They join a distinguished group of county-capped players and follow Paul Walter, Matt Critchley and Adam Rossington who were capped in 2023.
