Essex CCC

[Stowaway]

Rain stopping play -

Henry Blofeld is 81 today. Why did he stop commentating? He is so much better than some of today's commentators.

Blowers has macular degeneration and his eyesight was deteriorating, to the point where felt he couldn’t do his job properly. There is no cure for it, and eventually leads to blindness.

[tuffers#1]

Why are the cricket lovers not banging on about the game yesterday/today ?

[Omygawd]

Too busy reading the forfeiture and Ling angst...

[Lovejoy]

Why are the cricket lovers not banging on about the game yesterday/today ?

Too much rain on Wednesday and Thursday has possibly spoilt the game. Essex are doing okay at 142-1 chasing Somerset's first innings total of 301.

[Lovejoy]

A ton for Sir Alistair

[Lovejoy]

Essex 196-1 at tea, Alistair Cook 131no and Tom Westley 51 no.

[EliotNes]

Sir Alastair at his best and will see us to a first innings lead AGW. Pity there are no supporters in Lords to watch

[banqo]

Sir Alastair at his best and will see us to a first innings lead AGW. Pity there are no supporters in Lords to watch

Important to get that first innings lead, as long as we don't collapse!!

[Stowaway]

It’s vital to get the first innings lead, as if the game is a draw, as it will almost certainly be at this rate, the winner will be the team with the highest first innings total. Essex need 302, another 76 to go with 6 wickets left and Sir Alastair still there on 148. Squeaky bum time....

[Stowaway]

Sir Alastair at his best and will see us to a first innings lead AGW. Pity there are no supporters in Lords to watch

Important to get that first innings lead, as long as we don't collapse!!

Jonah.

[i8ubutler]

31 to get - 4 wickets left.

[banqo]

Sir Alastair at his best and will see us to a first innings lead AGW. Pity there are no supporters in Lords to watch

Important to get that first innings lead, as long as we don't collapse!!

Jonah.

Yep. I'm sure I read that the highest red ball score we've got this season is 298!!!!

[Top of the JES]

Brilliant from Sir Chef, very good from Wesley (about time too) but the rest of the batting crumbled. Up to Wheater and Harmer tomorrow. from 196-1 they have made gaining a first innings lead far from certain. With two days left to play game still very much in the balance and all results still possible.

Must get that highest first inning score in the morning to put our noses in front.

[EliotNes]

I for one, will be watching the internet stream. But why Sky or Beeb couldn't show it live I have no idea, except it'll be something to do with TV advertising money.

[banqo]

Hooray we've made it, 303-6!!!!

[EliotNes]

Hooray we've made it, 303-6!!!!

[Top of the JES]

Well played Jamie Porter out for 13 but really dug in to get us past Somersets total 303-7 a lead of 50 would be fantastic but Somerset have to make the running now.

[i8ubutler]

216 - 6.

[Top of the JES]

Going to be a very tense final day.

[EliotNes]

Going to be a very tense final day.

Absolutely. Let's hope the rain stays away.

[Stowaway]

Will be an interesting day’s play. Essex could allow Somerset to bat on for a while and take up more time, giving Essex less time to spend at the crease for the draw. Or they could go for it, get the last 3 Somerset wickets and then see how the innings pans out. We only have to play for for draw, remember.

The weather doesn’t look as good now - low chance of rain but heavy grey skies mean bad light could be an issue. All in Essex’s favour.

[Top of the JES]

Will be an interesting day’s play. Essex could allow Somerset to bat on for a while and take up more time, giving Essex less time to spend at the crease for the draw. Or they could go for it, get the last 3 Somerset wickets and then see how the innings pans out. We only have to play for for draw, remember.

The weather doesn’t look as good now - low chance of rain but heavy grey skies mean bad light could be an issue. All in Essex’s favour.

Somerset just have to go for it they have to force a result so half an hour throwing the bat leave Essex most of the day to get 240 and hope that Essex bottle it. The weather may yet work against Essex if it's heavy and overcast Lords can be a difficult place to bat. I reckon if there is a positive result its 50/50. overall with that first innings lead Essex slight favourites, should be good.

[EliotNes]

Forecast: Thick cloud and a moderate breeze, with 26% chance of rain at 11.00 and average 3% for the rest of playing time. let's hope we get as near a full days play as possible with an Essex victory

C'mon Essex

[Thor]

Come on Somerset!!

[i8ubutler]

Somerset lead 201.
87 overs left today.