County Championship Division Two: Essex lose Alastair Cook early in top of the table clash
Tuesday 23 August 2016 20:06, UK
Essex lost Alastair Cook early as they closed on 13-2 having earlier bowled Leicestershire out for 238 in their top-of-the-table clash at Grace Road.
The Specsavers County Championship Division Two leaders elected to field first and it appeared a fine decision as Jamie Porter (4-50) picked up two wickets in two balls to leave the hosts 2-2 in the first over.
Angus Robson (52) and Mark Cosgrove (71) led the Leicestershire recovery but when they were dismissed, they could only stumble their way to 238.
However, Leicestershire were able to pick up the prize wicket of Cook - the England skipper bowled by Dieter Klein (2-7) for just four - as well as that of night-watchman Porter (0) in the closing stages of the day.
A Hardus Viljoen five-for helped Kent to bowl out Gloucestershire for 221 on day one in Bristol.
The visitors still have hopes of securing promotion this season and boosted their chances with a strong bowling performance at the County Ground.
Hamish Marshall top-scored with 58 for the hosts before Viljoen accounted for him, lbw, Phil Mustard was the next highest scorer with 38.
Kent will begin their first innings when play resumes on day two.
Jofra Archer took 4-91 as Glamorgan were bowled out for 252 with Sussex 111-1 in response at stumps on day one at Sophia Gardens.
It could have been worse for the hosts, who lost opener Nicholas Selman without scoring in the first over, having found themselves 56-5 but half-centuries from Graham Wagg (57) and Mark Wallace (61) ensured they at least picked up two batting bonus points.
Sussex began their first innings confidently and although Ed Joyce (47) was caught behind off the bowling of Craig Meschede shortly before the close, Chris Nash (61no) remains.
Rob Keogh struck a superb 154 for Northamptonshire as they made it through to stumps at 345-6 on day one against Worcestershire.
The visitors had been struggling at 172-5 at New Road but a partnership of 159 between Keogh and Steven Crook (84no) ensured it was Northants, fresh from their T20 Blast triumph, who have the upper hand heading into day two.
Indeed, it took a run out to break the partnership shortly after Keogh had reached his 150. Ed Barnard was the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers, taking 2-78.
