England’s all-time leading wicket-taker began the opening over of Lancashire and took just three balls to draw the first blood by dismissing Essex opener Nick Browne for a 3-ball duck. A few overs later, Anderson caught the big fish in the form of Essex stalwart Cook.
The Burnley Express came round the wicket and bowled a wobble seam delivery which was pitched at the good length. The red leather came back in sharply and struck the front pad of Cook, who was playing the forward defensive shot.
As soon as the ball struck Cook’s pads, Anderson, along with his other teammates, went for a loud appeal. The on-field umpire was convinced and gave the decision in the fielding team’s favour as Anderson bagged his second scalp. The right-arm pacer, who plans to play in three or four of Lancashire’s matches before the Ashes against Australia on June 16, finished with two wickets for 33 from 11 overs as Essex reached 98/3 at stumps on the opening day.
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Earlier, Lancashire’s decision to bat first on a straw-coloured wicket turned horribly wrong as they lost six wickets for 86, with Sam Cook completely destroying the batting unit of the visiting side. Cook ended up with five wickets for 42, and it appeared Essex would pack things early.
However, promising Lancashire keeper-batter George Bell had led what could prove a decisive recovery by smashing a brilliant half-century. Bell scored a crucial 60 with the help of 10 boundaries and was well supported by Tom Hartley, who made 33, including 5 fours and a six.
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