County Championship: Khushi leads strong Essex response to Durham

A century by Feroze Khushi and Nick Browne’s unbeaten 94 enabled Essex to take control of their County Championship match against Durham at the Riverside.

Replying to the home side’s 358, the Division One leaders were 314-3 at the close, leaving theim just 44 runs in arrears and perhaps laying the foundations for a third victory in four matches this season.

Khushi showcased his quality with a chanceless century, the second of his career and his first since he reached three figures at Canterbury in 2022.

Even when the 24-year-old had been dismissed by Callum Parkinson for 107, Browne then shared an unbroken stand of 54 with Jordan Cox to leave his side well placed to take a first-innings lead.

The first wicket of the day saw nightwatchman Sam Cook bowled by Paul Coughlin for 25.

Five minutes before lunch, Durham took the wicket they most wanted when Dean Elgar’s loose drive was caught by Ollie Robinson.

In the afternoon session, Khushi and Browne carefully consolidated their side’s position.

Khushi reached his 50 off 102 balls when he off-drove Parkinson to the boundary and celebrated the achievement two deliveries later with a straight drive for four.

The 100 partnership was put up in less than two hours, and then Khushi, who pushed through the gears, sealed his second career ton with a punch through mid-wicket off Colin Ackermann.

Ten minutes later, Browne reached his 50 off 143 balls via a slice of good fortune when he edged through two slip fielders.

Browne started to take the initiative before Khushi drove Parkinson straight to Graham Clark at shortish extra cover and departed for 107.

Browne and his new partner Jordan Cox soon had to face the challenge of the new ball, but they did so with little fuss.