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County Championship Division Two: Essex close in on victory over Gloucestershire

Jamie Porter of Essex celebrates a wicket with team mates during day one of the Specsavers County Championship match betwe
Image: Jamie Porter took two wickets for Essex in the first over of Gloucestershire's second innings

Essex are closing in on victory in their County Championship Division Two opener against Gloucestershire at Chelmsford.

Resuming the day 25 runs ahead, on 287-6, Essex's lower order frustrated the Gloucestershire attack in the morning session to add another 98 runs before being bowled out for 385 just before lunch - James Foster and Graham Napier scoring 34 and 33, respectively.

Trailing by 123, the Gloucestershire reply got off to the worst possible start as Jamie Porter (3-53) had both Cameron Bancroft and Ian Cockbain caught behind without scoring in the first over.

And when Matt Dixon removed Chris Dent, the score was 8-3. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with Gareth Roderick (58) the only top order batsman able to stick around. He fell to leave Gloucestershire 173-7 before some lusty hitting late in the day from Jack Taylor pushed the score past 200.

The No 8 was the last wicket to fall having hit five maximums in an innings of 74 from 76 balls as Gloucestershire finished on 215, leaving Essex 93 to win.

Alastair Cook and Nick Browne began the chase before the close, reaching 34-0, meaning Essex require another 59 runs for victory.

Worcestershire and Kent were unable to start their Championship opener for the third day running, due to a wet outfield at New Road.

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Despite dry and sunny conditions on Tuesday morning, umpires Ian Gould and Richard Illingworth ruled out play at 12.30pm. Further rainfall after Monday's call-off meant that the playing surface remained unplayable.

A wet outfield also prevented any play at the County Ground between Northamptonshire and Sussex meaning Ben Duckett must wait before having the chance to reach his triple century.

The Northants opener is 282 not out with his side 481-7 going into the final day with a draw looking all but certain.

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