Jordan maiden century takes contest by the scruff

Essex 358 and 163 and 4 lead Sussex 448 (Jordan 131, Joyce 92, Archer 73, Napier 5-114) by 73 runsScorecard

At some stage around 11.15 on the second morning, Chris Jordan ambled over – as Chris Jordan does – located the scruff of this game’s neck and promptly grabbed it. He has not let go since, picking up the final four first-innings wickets in double-quick time, then scoring a maiden first-class century to steer Sussex from choppy waters (a collapse of 6 for 49) to a handsome lead of 90.

When Essex batted for a second time, Nick Browne turned Jordan’s fourth ball straight to square leg, and he summoned the last of his seemingly boundless energy to end a dangerously pesky third-wicket stand, with Dan Lawrence trapped in front. Even his withdrawal from the attack had a touch of class, as Tom Westley feathered his replacement David Wiese behind first ball. He will return on Sunday, rested and raring for Essex’s final six wickets.

If he can find those wickets, Sussex – even as the old lags Ryan ten Doeschate and James Foster shared a streaky but vital 52 late on, extending Essex’s lead to 73 – have the chance to kickstart a curious season that sees them unbeaten after nine games having won just one. As long as Leicestershire fail to beat Derbyshire, Essex need a draw to go back past the new leaders Kent. The chase for the single promotion spot is set to be a barnburner, and this – a fine match on a fair, fast-scoring pitch – is crucial for both sides.

Jordan’s was a magnificent, measured innings that eked every run out of Sussex’s tail. In Jofra Archer and Danny Briggs, Jordan found a pair of able deputies, …

continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com