Despite rain hampering the play for a second consecutive day, there were still some notable performances in the County Championship. Essex’s opening duo, Nick Browne and Tom Westley, made a brilliant unbeaten partnership of 256 runs for the second wicket. Browne scored a century, while Westley proved to be the aggressor in their innings, also reaching triple figures. Their partnership is currently the highest for any wicket in the tournament so far. Lancashire’s reply to Somerset’s 441 was nothing short of extraordinary. Keaton Jennings led their batting effort with an unbeaten 124 at a strike rate of over 70. Luke Wells and Josh Bohannon contributed quickfire fifties alongside Jennings as Lancashire piled up a score of 302/1 in just 59 overs. Their batting demonstrated the Bazball style – aggressive intent, attacking the bowlers, and scoring runs quickly. Ben Duckett, playing for Nottinghamshire, delivered an outstanding knock of 177 (258b; 17x4s, 1×6), almost single-handedly taking his side to a total of 364. After Duckett’s dismissal, Mark Stoneman remained unbeaten on 60 with 10 fours, leading Middlesex’s reply. Ben Coad’s five-wicket haul restricted Sussex to 361. After the top order set the innings up, Sussex threatened to score big, but Coad’s dismissal of Oliver Carter for 64 proved to be crucial in keeping their total down. Coad was most effective in the lower order, taking four of his five wickets towards the back end of the innings. Veteran bowler James Anderson starred for Lancashire with a five-wicket haul. After hundreds from Tom Abell and James Rew highlighted Day 1, Anderson ensured that Somerset were kept to a competitive total of 441. Anderson removed Rew first and then picked up Lewis Gregory and Kasey Aldridge in quick succession, getting his five wickets in the process. Despite the weather playing spoilsport, there were some exceptional performances on Day 2 of the County Championship. With some impressive displays with the bat and ball, the players gave an indication of what to expect from them in the days to come.Best Batting Performances
Best Bowling Performances
