Eagles unable to force a result, but stay top of standings

Essex were left to rue their bad luck after rain on day four prevented them from achieving a result against Derbyshire in their County Championship Division Two clash.

The Eagles started the final day’s play 108 runs and were hopeful of achieving their third win from five games this season.

But the wet weather delayed play until mid-afternoon, and though the visitors began steadily, Hainault & Clayhall’s Ravi Bopara (1-24) gave the hosts a chance of victory by removing opener Hamish Rutherford (68).

These hopes were further enhanced when Jamie Porter (1-49) dimissed Tom Taylor (19) and Graham Napier (1-59) trapped Wayne Madsen leg before wicket (2).

Both sides, though, shook hands on the draw when it appeared now result would be possible, with Essex still leading the way in the standings.

Meanwhile, Essex captain Alistair Cook needs just 36 runs to become the first Englishman to past 10,000 Test runs when the Three Lions host Sri Lanka in the first Test, which starts at Headingley today.