Essex’s Jamie Porter unleashed a devastating spell of bowling to dismantle Worcestershire’s top order on day one of their Vitality County Championship clash at Chelmsford. Porter’s five-wicket haul, his second of the season, reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 within the first five overs. Sam Cook joined the party, claiming the other wicket in a 13-ball blitz.
Worcestershire’s recovery was sparked by captain Brett D’Oliveira, who played a patient 68 off 136 balls. He found support from Ethan Brooks (46) and Tom Taylor (62 not out), who helped the visitors reach a more respectable 266 all out.
Simon Harmer, making his 100th red-ball appearance for Essex, claimed three lower-order wickets, while Amar Virdi and Taylor frustrated the hosts with a last-wicket stand of 64.
Essex began their chase with a solid 50 for 1, but lost Dean Elgar to Taylor’s bowling just before the close. Jordan Cox, released by England after the toss at Lord’s, will be available to bat for Essex later in the innings.
