Lancashire suffered defeat in three days at the hands of Essex in the County Championship.

Bowled out for 146 on the first day, and left to trail 377 made by Essex, Lancs attempted to salvage a result.

But a dismal second innings of 107 all out gave the hosts the win by an Innings and 124 runs.

In what was a rain affected first day Essex capitalised on the conditions.

With a 45-minute opening session, the hosts left Lancs 31-2 with Captain Keaton Jennings removed.

Rain delayed resumption after lunch.

When Lancs finally got back underway, Essex’s bowling continued to control the game.

By Tea after 25 overs Lancashire were 62-4, and after 42 overs, Essex had Lancashire out for 146.

In reply, it was tough going for Lancashire’s bowlers.

Essex had a strong start. The first wicket of Feroze Khushi fell with 62 on the board.

The second wicket did not come until the first ball of the 45 over, once the hosts had 182 on the board.

Essex captain Tom Westley topped scored with an impressive 81. Dean Elgar also contributed with 79.

From a bowling perspective, Nathan Lyon finished with figures of 2 for 65 off 24, and Will Williams 2 for 54 off 22 among the pick of the bowlers.

In reply on Day 2, Lancashire’s innings could not have started any worse.

Jennings, who had hit 172 against Hampshire the previous week, was left with his second single digit score of the match.

Lancs fans would have hoped that Day 3 may have led to a change of fortunes.

Essex however, tore through the Lancashire lineup and by lunch left Lancs on 105-9.

Lancashire’s final wicket fell soon after lunch for 107.

After the game Keaton Jennings spoke to BBC Lancs Cricket and gave an honest reflection on the three-day defeat.

“We haven’t been good enough. Essex have out bowled, out batted and out fielded us.”

“We got probably got caught on the wrong side of conditions Day 1, I don’t think that is the reason for the deficit being as big.”

Jennings was quick though to praise the tremendous Essex attack that ripped through Lancs’ order.

“It wasn’t only a case of us not quite being good enough, they were really good.”

Lancashire now have a week off to reflect and build on the first three rounds of action.

With the contrast in the signs of promise shown against Hampshire compared to this weekend’s emphatic defeat, Lancs will hope that they can use this experience and not let it define their season.

(Featured Image used under Unsplash Licence – Credit Alessandro Bogliari)

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