Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson showcased their batting prowess with stellar centuries, propelling Durham to a commanding position against Essex on the first day of their County Championship encounter. While Lees displayed control for his 113, Robinson aggressively scored an unbeaten 146, marking their second centuries of the season. Their efforts took Durham to 445-4 at close. Although David Bedingham fell short of his fifth consecutive century, his valuable 65 helped him surpass 800 runs for the Championship season. On a tough day for Essex at Chelmsford, the highlight was debutant Eathan Bosch taking two wickets, as Durham chose to bat first on a well-worn pitch.
Cricket Match Highlights: Durham vs South Africa
Michael Jones made a striking return from international duty with a rapid 38 runs in his first Championship appearance this season. His innings, however, was cut short by South Africa’s Bosch, who claimed a vital wicket maiden early in the match. This momentum shift continued as Bosch also dismissed Durham captain Scott Borthwick, contributing to an early score of 83-2. Despite these setbacks, the conditions at Chelmsford, characterized by clear skies, humidity, and a flat pitch, transformed the venue into a batsman’s haven. While Bedingham aimed to match the records of Michael Hussey and Kumar Sangakkara with consecutive centuries, he was caught off Simon Harmer’s bowling, concluding a 95-run partnership with Lees. Nonetheless, Durham’s batting lineup thrived, with Lees and Robinson each reaching centuries, supported by Colin Ackermann’s undefeated 58, steering the team towards a strong finish.
