Cook haul helps set up Essex run chase at Warwicks

Essex (3 pts) need 195 more runs to beat Warwickshire (3 pts) A fascinating final day awaits in the County Championship at Edgbaston where Essex will resume on 11-0, chasing a target of 206 to beat Warwickshire. On the third day of this rain-affected game, Essex took a slender lead of 15 when they extended their first innings to 205 thanks to Simon Harmer's 48. Nathan Gilchrist took 4-40, his best figures for Warwickshire, and Ethan Bamber 3-44.

Warwickshire then made 220 second time around as Beau Webster unfurled a majestic 91. Sam Cook took 5-58 and Shane Snater 3-15 but a 10th-wicket stand of 32 between Gilchrist and Bamber evened a low-scoring contest right up. Essex are slight favourites to win, though they have plenty to do on a pitch offering some assistance to seamers.

It is an engrossing contest which supports the argument that cricket is most entertaining when conditions offer the bowlers some - but not too much - assistance. County Championship, day three: Rew reaches 50 as Somerset recover chasing 287 Day two: Essex on top despite Hain's heroics for Warwicks Day one: Essex bowlers dominate Warwickshire before rain Essex resumed on the third morning on 110-3, just 80 behind, but were soon hit by a burst of 3-8 in 16 balls from Gilchrist. The overnight batters were removed when Charlie Allison fell lbw for 44 and nightwatcher Cook, having resisted for 54 minutes, was caught high at second slip by Rob Yates.

Michael Pepper then fell second ball when he could not resist a half-volley and Webster took a smart low catch at cover. If Pepper contributed to his own downfall, so did Matt Critchley 18 balls later when he lashed a wide ball from Bamber to point. Harmer knuckled down defiantly but Ed Barnard defeated Snater's leg-side swipe to win an lbw decision.