Nick Browne hits fifty as Essex chase 93 for 10-wicket win
Wednesday 13 April 2016 13:04, UK
Chasing 93 to win, and resuming on 34-0, Essex comfortably knocked off the remaining 59 runs required in the first hour of the day, Nick Browne (55no) passing fifty to make up for his first-innings failure, when he notched just one.
His opening partner, Alastair Cook, finished unbeaten on 35 to go with his 105 in Essex's first dig with England's skipper looking in good touch ahead of the Test summer.
Ben Duckett was denied the chance of scoring a first class triple century, left stranded on 282 not out as Northamptonshire's game with Sussex at The County Ground ended early in a draw.
Northants dominated the opening two days, reaching 481-7, but bad weather washed out the third day and further overnight rain resulted in the match being abandoned as a draw after a 10am inspection on day four.
Northants take nine points from the contest to Sussex's six.
Worcestershire and Kent's ill-fated Championship opener was abandoned without a ball being bowled in four days due to a wet outfield at New Road.
Umpires Ian Gould and Richard Illingworth made the inevitable decision at midday, despite the ground being bathed in sunshine, with the outfield still soggy in key areas.
Both teams were awarded five points.
