WORCESTERSHIRE fell just short of their first win of the season in a gripping clash with Essex.
The Pears came just 28 runs short of a first Rothesay County Championship win in Chelmsford.
The final day was packed with some nail-biting moments as 23-year-old Ethan Brookes delivered a stunning performance.
In a solo effort, the all-rounder scored 88 runs off 105 balls, hitting seven sixes.
He changed his strategy after the ninth wicket fell, starting an impressive display of batting.
He reached his half-century from 73 balls and formed a 50-run last-wicket partnership with Jacob Duffy, who stayed at the crease without scoring.
However, Brookes’ spectacular innings came to an end when he was caught and bowled by Jamie Porter, who took six wickets for 52 runs.
Worcestershire began the final day needing 110 more runs to win, with Essex requiring four more wickets.
Both teams were eager for a result, especially with rain on the forecast.
Matthew Waite was the first to be dismissed, followed by Tom Taylor and Ben Allison, leaving the Pears’ hopes dwindling with over 70 runs still needed.
Brookes then treated the Chelmsford crowd to a show of defiance and skill.
He hit Simon Harmer and Kasun Rajitha for several sixes, including one over the square-leg boundary to bring up his half-century.
One of his sixes even landed in the Tom Pearce Stand.
Brookes’ fearless approach continued as he hit Porter for his seventh six.
However, on the very next ball, the bowler managed to get a leading edge from Brookes and took a controversial catch, ending Worcestershire’s innings.
Porter, along with several Essex teammates, quickly surrounded Brookes, asserting that the catch was legitimate.
The match was a fierce contest over four days, with Worcestershire showcasing resilience from their first-innings bowling performance, where they dismissed Essex for 179, to chasing a challenging 295 target on a seamer-friendly surface.
Worcestershire will now turn their focus towards their next match, a County Championship clash with Durham at Visit Worcestershire New Road, which starts on Friday (April 25) at 11am.
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