Callum Thorp was the pick of the Durham attack picking up three of the four wickets. First, Godleman was trapped lbw after 8 balls, without scoring. Essex were 71-2 after Maunders (11) was dismissed in the same manner
Alastair Cook was the next victim, caught at second slip by Michael Di Venuto, who was celebrating his 300th first class appearance, off the bowling of Claydon for 44, leaving Essex 89-3.
Mickleburgh’s fifty came off 129 balls and included four fours. Pettini added four to the total before he was caught by Di Venuto off Thorp.
At the close of play Essex were 263-4 with Foster 66* and Mickleburgh 103*
After his three wicket haul on day one we spoke to Callum Thorp to get his thoughts on the day’s play,
“It was pretty chilly today, the wind was quite cold, the sun came out as we were coming off and it’s the first time we’ve seen it all day!
“We had a decent start but we found it a little tougher in the afternoon. I think the wicket offered a little bit early on, they were good conditions for bowling. I got a couple of lbw’s which wasn’t a bad start for me.
“The Essex boys batted quite well and Mickleburgh didn’t get sucked in to chasing anything that wasn’t in his area.”
“I don’t think there are any games that are going to be easy in the division this year so we can’t be complacent, we have to work hard and knuckle down and do the job. I think everyone is in a reasonable mood but we know we can do better but there are still three days left for us to get ahead.”
Follow the action as it happened by visiting our Live Match Chat (www.durhamccc.co.uk/live-match-chat)
Highlights from today’s play will be uploaded by 9.00am tomorrow morning.