Paul Walter and Matt Critchley’s Unbeaten Stand Keeps Essex Afloat Against Durham
On a run-filled day two at Chelmsford, an unbeaten 129-run stand between Paul Walter and Matt Critchley kept Essex afloat against Durham’s formidable 587-run total in the Vitality County Championship clash.
Durham, who had resumed the day on a solid 445/4, plundered an additional 142 runs in the morning session to secure maximum batting points. Ollie Robinson remained the star of the show, registering a magnificent 198 – his highest first-class score – before eventually falling just short of the double-century mark.
With Essex’s bowlers struggling to make inroads, the hosts found themselves in early trouble at 120/4 in response. However, Walter and Critchley steadied the ship, mixing solid defense with timely aggression to defy the Durham attack. Walter’s unbeaten 80, laced with a towering six, and Critchley’s patient 51* helped Essex close the day on 249/4, still trailing by 338 runs.
“The unbroken fifth-wicket partnership between Walter and Critchley has kept Essex’s hopes alive, as they aim to avoid the follow-on target on the third day.”
Earlier, off-spinner Simon Harmer and all-rounder Matt Critchley shared eight wickets between them as Durham were eventually bowled out for 587 – the 15th highest first-class score at Chelmsford. The visitors’ mammoth total was anchored by Robinson’s sublime knock, while Alex Lees (113) and Colin Ackermann (73) also chipped in with valuable contributions.
Despite the daunting task ahead, the unbroken fifth-wicket partnership between Walter and Critchley has kept Essex’s hopes alive, as they aim to avoid the follow-on target on the third day. The hosts will be hoping to build on this solid foundation and make further inroads into Durham’s sizeable first-innings lead.
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