Had this Rothesay County Championship match between Nottinghamshire and Essex been at the other end of the season it might not have petered out into a draw. In a long season despite points for a draw only being eight, it was important for both teams to not lose. It was probably more important for Jack Haynes to notch up his first first-class ton since moving to the East Midlands.
If there was to be a realistic chance of a result the morning session would be key, with either Essex taking a flurry of early wickets or Notts putting their foot on the accelerator and hope that they could convince Essex to crumble in the final two sessions.
Neither materialised; Essex did take wickets, but a ninth wicket partnership of 77 between Haynes and Bretton Hutton kept them at the crease at lunch. Hutton was caught by Matt Critchley and the extra half an hour was taken to extend the morning session, with Haynes still frustratingly close to his first Notts century.
Haynes had been watchful at a time when things could have slipped away from Notts, and that calm reassurance was helped by his former Worcestershire teammate Dillon Pennington. Not known for his ability to wave the willow, Pennington stayed resolute, even playing some shots that hinted at a bowler who fancies himself as a batter. The pair added 66 more runs, and when Haynes finally reached his sixth career hundred, the elation in his celebration told its own story. Twenty-three innings without a big score must have taken its toll, and to finally come good was not only a personal relief for Haynes but a lift for his teammates too. It hinted at a sense of togetherness in the squad — a willingness to dig in and fight for one another.
The lower order have shown a resilience that’s been missing in recent years. A declaration at lunch might have been a bold move, giving Notts two sessions to try and break down an obdurate Essex side, but with two draws from their opening fixtures, Essex will still fancy their chances of being in the title mix come September.
With a target of 366 to win from 52 overs, Essex were never likely to chase, their minds perhaps already drifting to the journey back south. Nottinghamshire’s bowlers trundled in with little expectation of forcing a result and the game never looked like reaching a tense finale. Charlie Allison did fall lbw to Brett Hutton for 28, but Paul Walter’s 41 off 92 balls and Tom Westley’s composed 28 from 44 ensured Essex comfortably shut up shop.
Notts will take a lot from this game. They could easily have been out of the contest on the first morning against a high-quality Essex attack, but they rallied and gave a decent account of themselves. It might have been tempting to file this season under “another struggle,” but this match showed they’re prepared to dig in when it matters.
Essex, meanwhile, will only grow stronger — especially with Dean Elgar set to return, adding a proven match-winner to their top order. For now, both sides can be content with how things played out, knowing there’s more to come as the season unfolds.
