Benkenstein committed his error against off-spinner

BEN Harmison just failed to record what would have been only his second Championship century as Durham settled for a draw against Essex at Chelmsford.

He followed up his 66 in the first innings with 96 as the visitors finished on 234 for six after resuming the final day in pursuit of a victory target of 459.

It was one they never attempted and for quite a while defeat stared them in the face.

From an overnight 31 for one, they lost another three wickets before the total advanced into three figures.

Both Dale Benkenstein and Michael Di Venuto were bowled shouldering arms.

Benkenstein committed his error against off-spinner Tom Westley while Di Venuto gifted his wicket to paceman Chris Wright after scoring 58.

When Ian Blackwell became an lbw victim of Westley with the total on 43, Essex looked firm favourites to claim only their third LV County Championship win of the season in their last game before dropping into the second division.

But Harmison, with fine support from Phil Mustard, were to deny them with a stand of 91 in 38 overs before both teams called it a day.

Harmison’s first 50 took him 142 deliveries but he was able to accelerate late on as Alastair Cook, with his gentle off-spin, and Westley concentrated mainly on getting through their overs as quickly as possible to ensure Essex were not penalised for a slow over rate.

But Harmison’s hopes of adding to the century he took off the Warwickshire attack three years ago ended when Cook tossed the ball up and he dispatched it into the hands of Tony Palladino.


Read More http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/north-east-sport/north-east-cricket/durham-yorkshire-county-cricket/2010/09/11/harmison-guides-durham-to-draw-with-essex-84229-27247517/#ixzz10s3oWr5p

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