County Championship: Alastair Cook's century helps Essex take control at Worcestershire

Alastair Cook has now made four first-class centuries in six visits to New Road - three for Essex and one for England Lions

Alastair Cook made his 68th first-class century - and his first of the summer - as Essex ground out the beginnings of a big total on day one against Worcestershire at New Road.

On a ground where he averages almost three figures, Cook made 117, hitting 17 fours in five-and-a-half hours.

Cook shared a 71-run morning session stand with Nick Browne (29).

He then shared a further 139 with Tom Westley (75*) before becoming the second of Alzarri Joseph's two scalps.

West Indies paceman Joseph made his first breakthrough 25 minutes into the afternoon session when he beat Browne for pace with a full-length delivery.

He then finally removed Cook too when the former England captain attempted to cut a wide one and dragged the ball onto his stumps - to end his 263-ball innings.

Dan Lawrence then came in to join fellow England batsman Westley, hitting five fours in a breezy 33 before the close.

Cook's century was his fourth in six first-class matches at New Road - his third for Essex, having also hit one for England Lions on his most recent visit, against India A, just prior to his last series as an England player in July 2018.

Worcestershire bowling coach Alan Richardson:

"The boys stuck at it really well. We tired a little bit towards the end but Sir Alastair Cook played very well and showed a lot of discipline and has made us have another day in the dirt.

"Missed chances? On wickets like this, you really hope those stick. No-one does it on purpose. It was nice to create those chances but it would have been even better to have taken them.

"The boys said it was similar to the Notts wicket except there was a bit more movement there. It was slow again so you had to be really disciplined. Strokeplay was quite difficult as well."

Essex opener Alastair Cook:

"I've struggled for rhythm this year, to be honest. I don't know really why. I was hitting the ball lovely indoors. Then as soon as I went outside everything didn't seem right.

"What I've been averaging hasn't been great. It was just a case of trusting yourself. You know you can and will score runs but it is never a nice feeling when you are not contributing.

"I had a bit of luck early on which is what you need. I can't remember the last time I batted so long! You almost forget you can do it."

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