Worcestershire Recover from Dismal Start to Post Respectable Total Against Essex
In a hard-fought opening day’s play at Chelmsford, Worcestershire recovered from a perilous 10 for 4 to post a more-than-decent total of 266 against Essex in their Vitality County Championship clash. The visitors were saved by a spirited fightback led by captain Brett D’Oliveira and a valuable unbeaten 62 from Tom Taylor.
Essex fast bowler Jamie Porter was the chief tormentor, ripping through Worcestershire’s top order to return figures of 5 for 52. However, D’Oliveira (68) and Ethan Brooks (46) combined for a crucial 72-run partnership to steady the ship, before Taylor and Amar Virdi (42) added a last-wicket stand of 64 to take Worcestershire past 250.
Essex made a solid start in response, reaching 50 for 1 by the close, with the wicket of South African opener Dean Elgar falling to the final delivery of the day.
Earlier, Porter and Sam Cook had reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 inside the opening five overs, a blitz that included the dismissals of Jack Libby, Gareth Roderick, Rob Jones and Adam Hose. But D’Oliveira’s determined knock, along with valuable contributions down the order, ensured the visitors finished the day in a respectable position.
“Essex spinner Simon Harmer, playing his 100th red-ball match for the county, chipped in with 3 for 103, while the home side will be hoping to make further inroads on day two as they look to capitalize on their early advantage.”
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