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ESSEX have played against Oxford University only 16 times, with the last occasion as long ago as 1972. Yesterday, finding them- selves with first use of a lively wicket, it appeared the Essex bowlers were keen to make up for lost time.

They hustled out five of the university batsmen in the 28 overs of play which were possible in the morning session before bright sunshine gave way to rain.

Essex were without Nasser Hussain, Graham Gooch and Ashley Cowan on various international duties at Lord's, while Stuart Law was also absent. Even so, they paid Oxford the complement of fielding a side containing four Test players.

Oxford were hit by calls of a different nature, with the examination season still in full swing. Despite being below full strength, the students would have been disappointed to lose so many top-or- der batsmen in the short time available for play.

Their problems began with the fourth ball of the day. Mark Ilott, getting one to swing to his liking, drew the opener Nick Piri- hi forward to gain an lbw decision.

Mark Wagh sliced an intended drive into the covers off Neil Williams before Ilott claimed the other opener, Byron Byrne, in a simi- lar fashion to the first.

Charlie Lightfoot and Peter Morgan then took the attack to the bowlers, Morgan stroking six fours and Lightfoot contributing two fours and a hooked six before both offered catches behind.

The sixth-wicket partnership endured for eight overs which, with more rain forecast, means that a sixth draw in the series is now slightly more likely than a ninth Essex win.