Essex and Warwickshire’s draw at Edgbaston means the hosts survive to play another Division One season and relegates Nottinghamshire 6.21pm BST
Essex’s championship charge stumbled as they were forced to spend the last day at Edgbaston batting to save the match.
They were dismissed for 324 in the morning, also falling short of a crucial third batting point, with Warwickshire’s captain Jeetan Patel pocketing six for 73. Asked to follow on, they had a stinker of a start at nought for one, but Tom Westley and Alastair Cook smoothed the waters with a partnership of 157. 5.13pm BST
So that’s it from here for today - after Lancashire confirmed their promotion to Division One yesterday, today has signed Nottinghamshire’s relegation warrant - therefore saving Warwickshire’s place in Division One.
It’s all hotting up nicely for the last two rounds - with Somerset patting the nice eight point lead in their back pocket as they head for the Ageas Bowl; and all to play for in the remaining two Division Two promotion places.