Cricket: Weather takes centre stage for Essex match

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Essex and Durham are playing the waiting game as the rain interrupts their County Championship match at Colchester's Castle Park.

Durham were on 193-5 at just after 5pm today and so far this afternoon have lost the wickets of Nicky Peng (0), Gary Pratt (65) and Marc Symington (6)

Earlier Gordon Muchall lost his wicket for 16 during the morning session to John Stephenson.

Run chase - Ravinder Bopara in action yesterday at Colchester's Castle Park

Colchester-born Graham Napier is enjoying a good spell with the ball and has so far gained three wickets for 38 runs.

Yesterday an undefeated 54 from Napier and contributions from Ravinder Bopara and Jonathan Dakin helped Essex fight their way back into the Division Two match.

Essex managed a first innings score of 271 in reply to Durham's first innings of 259.

The home side looked to be in trouble on 96-6 but Bopara made 48 and Dakin added 38 as the tail end batsmen staged a fight back.

Colchester-born Napier was also able to remove Michael Gough's wicket for 34 before the close of play.

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Friday August 23, 2002

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