Dockrell, Adair in the runs as batters dominate Day One

A stylish century to Essex’s first-class debutant Robin Das, supported by a smashing 74 from George Dockrell and 62 from Mark Adair has the home side in a strong position after Day 1 of the three-day match between Ireland Men and Essex Men at The Cloud County Ground today.

In the lead-up to the game, it was agreed that all 15 of Ireland’s squad would play in the fixture, meaning four Irish players would appear as Guest Players for Essex. Those four players included Dockrell and Adair, and the pair both made their opportunity with the bat count. Dockrell first shared in a 124-run stand with Das (132), then a 58-run stand with Adair, striking 10 fours and two sixes in an 85-ball stay. Dockrell’s striking, particularly his strikes down the ground, were as crisp and powerful as ever – but his shot-making was not unconventional. His two sixes off Andy McBrine were sweetly timed lofted strokes down the ground – one either side of the umpire. 

Coming in at six, Adair continued his renewed form with the bat – his 62 coming from just 63 balls, with six fours and three maximums in an 87-minute knock. The Northern Knights captain looked confident from the off – his six down the ground off Craig Young was particularly brutal, but on balance it was a well-constructed and positive innings. 

With the ball the Irish side toiled hard – Tom Mayes, on his first-class debut, claimed 4-68 and Fionn Hand looked lively taking 2-50. But the day certainly belonged to the batting side, and most notably Robin Das who struck his 132 from 118 balls on his first-class debut.

After Essex were finally all out for 343, Ireland had 16 overs to negotiate at the end of the day. Two wickets fell late on, but the Irish batting line-up will be strengthened tomorrow with the arrival of Paul Stirling.

The match resumes at 11am tomorrow (UK time).

 

END OF DAY ONE

?? Essex 343
?? Ireland 38-2

Plenty of highlights so far…and two more days to go!

Join us tomorrow from 11am.

SCORE https://t.co/I9EGfubcvb#BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/KkQKCTvGEF

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 26, 2023

MATCH SUMMARY

Essex Men v Ireland Men, First-class match, Chelmsford, 26 May 2023

Essex 343 (71.5 overs; R Das 132, G Dockrell 74, M Adair 64; T Mayes 4-68)

Ireland 38-2 (16 overs; P Moor 20*; J Richards 2-18)

SCORECARD