Danish Kaneria and Andy Clarke spearheaded a spirited Essex fightback against Hampshire at Chelmsford yesterday, but it is unlikely to spare their side from another Championship defeat.
Although the visitors finished on 81 for five in their second innings, they arrived at the third day with an overall lead of 276.
On a pitch offering bounce for pacemen who bend their back, and turn for the spinners, it is difficult to see anything but a Hampshire victory.
It will certainly need something extra special from skipper Andy Flower and his men to pull off the county's first Championship success of the summer.
As in the second innings against Yorkshire a week ago, it was the batsmen who let Essex down as they were bowled out for l58 to concede a lead of l95.
The last seven wickets went down while 53 runs were added. Only Aftab Habib, who made 42 before being undone by Shane Warne, and James Middlebrook, who was left stranded on 30 when the final wicket fell, batted with anything approaching authority.
The remainder prodded or slashed their way to oblivion in a manner which was all too familiar last season. Yet that should not detract from the performance of Tim Tremlett.
He extracted more lift than most while maintaining an admirable line and length and his figures of 4-29 from 16.5 overs were richly deserved.
Published Friday June 11, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article