Essex kept their nerve to hold out for a draw against Somerset after a first-innings collapse to win a second County Championship in three seasons 5.49pm BST
Well, it’s not easy to sum up this season in a few words. It’s been a blast, from T20 to World Cups to Ashes to a championship that went to the wire, between its two best teams who even amid ridiculous autumn weather managed to rustle us up a finish today with some twists and turns, particularly turns on a textbook Ciderabad pitch. Congrats Essex, commiserations Somerset, and thanks to everyone including you, our readers, for a wonderful long summer of cricket. See you again soon. Bye. 5.46pm BST
Alastair Cook speaks: “When I got out I thought I was going to have another bat today. No disrespect to our lower order but it was difficult out there. I’ve got experience in the subcontintent and managed to find a method out there, but not all of them do. But it’s not about me today it’s about the proper Essex unit, we have a good time together, and Tendo [Ryan Ten Doeschate] has been absolutely brilliant as well as Anthony McGrath [the coach]. That’s why I carried on playing … “ then he breaks off to say, “I really want to go here because I don’t want to miss those celebrations.” He looks so much more casual, relaxed and chatty compared to the latter days of his
England captaincy and career.
Tom Abell, the Somerset captain, has his say: “That middle session we gave ourselves a chance but it wasn’t meant to be. The supporters have been phenomenal, and the atmosphere was incredible when we got those wickets to get us ourselves a chance. Over a championship season the best team will prevail, so well done to Ryan and Essex. The square’s very dry here and we’ve got great spinners and we always felt if we had enough time there’d be chances. We’re gutted but have to say congratulations to Essex. We’re stull desperate for that championship win and it’ll certainly fuel the
fire for next year