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Day 1: Law proves headache for students

Christopher Lyles

Essex (111-1) trail Oxford Univ (158) by 47 runs

Oxford, playing their final first-class fixture before the University Match a week on Friday, batted fitfully after electing to take first use of a true wicket, a decision that was based on the absence of three of their first-string attack due to academic requirements and injury.

The trio were sorely missed, as Darren Robinson and Ian Flanagan were not parted until the day's last over after Essex had bowled out the students for a disappointing 158.

The Dark Blues were indebted to another gritty half-century from the Australian Byron Byrne, Oxford's form batsman, and a forthright 30 from wicketkeeper Jezz Barnes, who smashed Peter Such for two leg-side sixes in one over before being last out, adjudged lbw when he was well outside his crease.

Danny Law, who is seeking to regain a regular first-team spot after recovering from an ankle injury, was the pick of the Essex attack, and he accounted for Oxford's top order by eliciting movement off the seam at a distinctly sharp pace.

Day 2: Runs flow for Irani

Christopher Lyles

Oxford Univ (158 & 10-0) trail Essex (364) by 196 runs

Oxford's makeshift attack, supported by some keen fielding, limited Essex to three runs an over on a benign pitch.

But Ronnie Irani had time to record his 10th first-class century of the season, made from 178 balls, before holing out at long off in search of a third six.

Day 3: Students grateful to Ashley

Christopher Lyles

Oxford University (158 & 268-7) drew with Essex (364)

With the University Match just a week away, Oxford can draw some positive conclusions from this game, which petered out into a draw with 13.1 overs unbowled.

After suffering a mid-innings wobble, they comfortably held on as David Eadie and Jezz Barnes put on an untroubled 66 for the seventh wicket before Barnes was lbw from what proved to be the final ball of the match.

James Louw and Nathan Ashley, who had come together with the score on 59 after John Claughton was forced to retire with a bruised wrist, also spent valuable time in the middle. Louw batted competently for his 82, but it was Ashley's innings of 59, made from 74 balls, that caught the eye.

Unquestionably the most gifted batsman in the Oxford side, he has the ability to pick up the length of the ball more quickly than his colleagues, and he played some pulls and cover drives of the highest order before being trapped on the back foot. Cambridge beware.

Further good news is that Claughton expects to be fit for Lord's, where his team will be buoyed by the return of David Mather, who took 10 wickets in last year's match.