Essex and Durham ended in a similarly exciting encounter at the County Ground. The match concluded as a stalemate, with Essex taking 14 points and Durham 12. An upset would give Essex a little more breathing room in their effort to stay up. With only two games remaining in the regular season, Durham finds itself in serious peril.
Sudden rain interruptions plagued the match. Players were forced to drop 24 overs and wait just shy of two hours before the action could continue. This unfortunate moment aside, both teams battled valiantly throughout the rest of the day. Essex had set the tone for the match with an outstanding day one total of 457-8. They proclaimed, sending Durham away with an almost insurmountable ask of 124 runs to chase down.
Colin Ackermann, who had hitherto been going at a run a dozen balls, took 19 deliveries before getting off the mark. His performance just showed how much pressure both teams were under as they completely battled for every pivotal right now. Essex’s bowling attack was missing two key players: Sam Cook, who is nursing a broken thumb, and Shane Snater, who tweaked a calf while bowling during Durham’s first innings.
In reaction to Essex’s huge total, Durham’s innings started shakily. They were up against it, still 32 runs behind to make Essex bat again. It wasn’t long before Jamie Porter was at it again to earn his third scalp. The pressure continued to build on Durham as they went about their run chase. Filmmakers Ben Raine and Matthew Potts were able to establish a ‘rock solid’ balance in their collaboration. They put on a patient unbroken stand of 77 for the 8th wicket batting at 173-7.
When play was last suspended because of rain, Raine had not been dismissed at 42 and Potts at 34. Their hard work earned them a footnote of hope for Durham, as they tried to turn the tide in their respective communities and save the match. Essex’s bowlers made a valiant effort backed by their paceman Jamie Porter and spinners including the returning Simon Harmer. They hoped to win a third Championship crown during a season that has been a struggle for the team.
Essex battled a double whammy as Mother Nature conspired with injury to challenge the rookie coach. Their impressive form made them exempt from relegation fears this winter. The points they earned from this tie already give them some breathing room. In these final weeks of the season, it certainly makes them more comfortable.
Durham’s situation remains critical. They currently sit in the very real threat of relegation with just two matches remaining in the campaign. Their failure to earn a much-needed win over Essex might have dire, lasting effects on their league position.
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