Elgar and Critchley Steer Essex Towards First Innings Lead on Day 2

The second day of the Essex vs Durham County Championship clash at Chelmsford began with Durham picking up their first innings at 316/8, a score built on the back of a stellar Day 1. A century from the promising Ben McKinney and a near-century from captain Alex Lees had given Durham a strong foundation, and the morning session was all about squeezing out every possible run. Graham Clark, unbeaten on 26 overnight, and Sam Conners, the number ten, walked out with a clear mission, keeping the scoreboard moving and setting Essex a daunting target.

Durham’s Innings

Graham Clark was the main player, batting with a mix of caution and calculated aggression. He was steady, picking off singles to rotate the strike, but never shied away from punishing loose balls. A lofted six, struck with confidence, was a highlight, showing he could shift gears when needed. Clark’s unbeaten 37 was a gritty effort, proving his value in the lower order as he anchored the tail. Sam Conners, meanwhile, played a dogged supporting role, grinding out 24 runs off 55 balls. His two fours were hard-earned, and his stubborn resistance frustrated Essex’s bowlers. Together, the pair stitched together a vital ninth-wicket stand, taking Durham to 332 before Conners fell, caught and bowled by Doug Bracewell in a moment of sharp reflex.

Almost time for day two in Chelmsford, we resume on 316/8. (Clark 26*, Conners 18*) ⬇️#ForTheNorth

— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) September 9, 2025

Durham’s innings wrapped up at 333 when Callum Parkinson was bowled for a duck by Jamie Porter. Porter was Essex’s spearhead, finishing with an impressive 4 for 77 off 23.2 overs. His late burst on Day 1, where he snagged three wickets in quick succession, had already tilted the momentum, and his dismissal of Parkinson put the final nail in Durham’s innings. Doug Bracewell was equally effective, picking up 3 for 70, with key wickets of Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, and Conners. His knack for finding just enough movement kept Durham’s batsmen on their toes. Shane Snater chipped in with one wicket, while Simon Harmer’s disciplined 27-over spell yielded 1 for 68, including the scalp of Alex Lees. Harmer’s tight lines ensured Durham couldn’t dominate, even on a pitch that offered little help to bowlers.

Looking back, Durham’s innings was built around Ben McKinney’s classy 121 off 228 balls, a knock filled with 18 fours and two sixes. His elegant, orthodox style was a joy to watch, as he took apart Essex’s attack with ease for much of Day 1. Alex Lees complemented him with a composed 94 off 152 balls, falling just short of a century after being trapped lbw by Harmer. Their 134-run second-wicket partnership was the backbone of Durham’s effort, setting a platform for a big total. But things unraveled after their dismissals. David Bedingham’s run-out for a duck sparked a wobble, and quick wickets of Colin Ackermann (13) and Ollie Robinson (15) exposed Durham’s middle order to Essex’s new-ball threat.

We are dismissed for 333. 📊#ForTheNorth

— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) September 9, 2025

The Chelmsford pitch was flat, making Durham’s 333 a solid total. Despite losing wickets in clusters, especially during a brutal evening session on Day 1, when Porter’s second new ball ripped through them from 240/3 to 291/8, the lower order’s fight was crucial. Clark’s 37 not out and Conners’ 24 ensured Durham crossed 300, giving their bowlers something to work with. The innings spanned 100.2 overs at a run rate of 3.31, with just seven extras from leg byes and no-balls. Essex’s bowlers, led by Porter and Bracewell, struck at key moments to keep Durham in check, but the visitors had posted a competitive score, setting up an intriguing contest.

Essex Innings

As Day 2 unfolded, Essex took to the crease with the task of chasing down Durham’s 333. Led by the rock-solid Dean Elgar, they put together a commanding performance, reaching 312/3 in 89 overs by stumps. Just 21 runs shy of Durham’s total with seven wickets in hand, Essex ended the day in a strong position, poised to take control on Day 3. Their run rate of 3.50 showed a blend of discipline and intent, making the most of a pitch that offered little to bowlers.

👏 The runs continue to flow as Critch moves to 50!

Live Stream, Scorecard & Highlights ➡️ https://t.co/TBoy2f9oG7

Essex 229-3 (trail by 104 runs)
🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/x80fNRNUWt

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 9, 2025

Dean Elgar was the cornerstone, unbeaten on 140 off 264 balls in a marathon 340-minute effort. His innings was a masterclass in patience, with 16 fours and a six, as he picked gaps with precision and kept the scoreboard ticking. Elgar’s calm presence anchored Essex through early pressure, and his ability to build partnerships kept Durham’s bowlers under constant strain. Matt Critchley played a brilliant foil, unbeaten on 97 off 131 balls, his knock laced with 12 fours and a six. Critchley’s attacking approach, with a strike rate of 74.04, complemented Elgar’s steadiness, and their unbroken 154-run fourth-wicket partnership swung the game firmly in Essex’s favor, bringing them within touching distance of Durham’s total in the first innings.

Essex’s innings wasn’t without its challenges. Paul Walter fell early for 4, caught by Ben McKinney off Ben Raine in the sixth over, leaving them at 7/1. The early wicket put pressure on the top order, but Elgar and captain Tom Westley steadied things with a 76-run stand. Westley scored a composed 32 off 74 balls, hitting seven fours before being pinned lbw by Callum Parkinson. His dismissal at 83/2 was a blow, but Charlie Allison’s arrival brought fresh impetus. Allison’s fluent 33 off 51 balls, with five fours and a six, kept the momentum going until he was bowled by Colin Ackermann. His departure at 158/3 gave Durham a slight opening, but Elgar and Critchley shut the door with their dominant partnership.

Durham’s bowlers worked hard but found little help from the pitch. Ben Raine was the standout, taking 1 for 66 in 19 overs with three maidens. His early dismissal of Walter set a positive tone, and his tight lines kept Essex’s batsmen honest. Callum Parkinson bowled economically, claiming Westley’s wicket for 1 for 82 in 22 overs, while Ackermann chipped in with Allison’s scalp for 1 for 47. Matthew Potts and Sam Conners, however, struggled, going wicketless and leaking 49 and 64 runs respectively.

🔥 We put ourselves in a strong position heading into Day 3.

🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/YlduiVSql8

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 9, 2025

The flat pitch made breakthroughs tough, and Elgar and Critchley capitalized, dominating the latter part of the day. Essex’s batting was disciplined and purposeful. Elgar’s ability to bat for long periods was the foundation, while Critchley’s aggression kept the run rate healthy. With Michael Pepper, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer, Doug Bracewell, Shane Snater, and Jamie Porter still to come, Essex’s batting depth gave them confidence to push for a first-innings lead. With just 21 runs needed to overtake Durham, Essex were well-placed to dictate terms on Day 3.

TCNI’s Magic Moment of the Game

Dean Elgar’s century was the standout moment of Day 2, a display of endurance and skill that defined Essex’s response. Unbeaten on 140 off 264 balls, his 340-minute knock featured 16 fours and a six, with a steady strike rate of 53.03. After Paul Walter’s cheap dismissal for 4, Elgar steadied the ship, first with Tom Westley (32) and then Charlie Allison (33).

Class is permanent. ⭐️

🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/S2GXxnJ2fv

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 9, 2025

But it was his unbroken 154-run stand with Matt Critchley, who was 97 not out, that truly shifted the game. Critchley’s attacking flair complemented Elgar’s composure, frustrating Durham’s bowlers, led by Ben Raine (1/66) and Callum Parkinson (1/82). On a flat pitch, Elgar’s century was a lesson in grit, guiding Essex to 312/3, just 21 runs behind Durham with seven wickets in hand.

TCNI’s Hero of the Day

Ben Raine was Durham’s hero on Day 2, standing tall with a disciplined bowling effort in Essex’s first innings. On a pitch offering little help, Raine bowled 19 overs, conceding just 66 runs at an economy of 3.47. His early wicket of Paul Walter for 4 in the 6.2nd over gave Durham a vital breakthrough, disrupting Essex’s start.

Rainey x McKinney & we have our first strike. 👆#ForTheNorth pic.twitter.com/K0CUvZKlko

— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) September 9, 2025

With three maidens, Raine’s tight lines and lengths kept the pressure on, even as Dean Elgar (140 not out) and Matt Critchley (97 not out) dominated. While other bowlers like Matthew Potts and Sam Conners went wicketless, Raine’s persistence ensured Durham stayed in the fight. His solitary wicket and economical spell on a tough day earned him TCNI’s Hero of the Day, a nod to his grit and skill in keeping Essex’s scoring in check.