A fine delivery from C.R.Woakes.

Essex 95 for 8 (31 overs). McGain 5, Palladino 4.

Walker, on 29, having defied diligently for 21 overs, gets the ball of the day (so far) from Woakes and falls lbw.

Palladino lashes his second ball to the third-man boundary.

Garon Park is not a beautiful ground but has a nice line in green portakabins. There is a strong wind, on which an outburst of laughter has just flowed from the committee tent.