James Foster and Mark Pettini had most to smile about before rain brought the curtain down on Essex's first friendly of the season against Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford.
The pair both scored half-centuries before the weather washed out further play with the total on 144-4 in what should have been a 55-overs-per-side duel.
Twenty-year-old Pettini, arriving after acting skipper Will Jefferson was caught behind by David Alleyne after recording just one scoring stroke in his 24-ball stay, combined solid defence with shrewd shot selection.
He struck eight fours and one six during his 109-ball effort, which also came to an end through the Alleyne-Greg Smith combination.
Foster reached his unbeaten 50 from 65 balls, opening the throttle to score the last 42 from only 25 deliveries before the rain arrived with nine overs remaining.
His driving off the front foot was full of power and brought him the majority of his 11 boundaries.
Alastair Cook, the England under-19 captain, also caught the eye with a brief but well-compiled 28 that contained six fours, before he fell victim to seamer Richard Logan.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Wednesday April 7, 2004
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