James Middlebrook, Jim Troughton and Geoff Hurst

Essex 305 for 7 (77 overs). Ten Doeschate 62, Wright 0.

Ten Doeschate and Middlebrook added 64 in 16 overs before the latter was run out by a mile after a wretched misunderstanding which saw him well-beaten by a throw to the 'keeper by Troughton at third man.

If Essex can get to 400, though, they will fancy their chances here on a pitch which rewards bowlers who put a bit of effort in. The Bears have not bowled a consistent enough line or length to take wickets in clusters.

Ten Doeschate reached 50 from 94 balls with six fours.

Keith Boyce took a hat-trick in this fixture in 1974, his victims - Abberley, MJK Smith and Murray. Sadly, later in life, West Indian all-rounder Boyce succumbed to alcohol problems and has now passed away.

As a footballer, he kept goal in the World Cup for Barbados. He remains one of two former Essex players with an illustrious World Cup history. The other...G.Hurst.