England tailenders were in the runs and one of their opening batsmen in the wickets after a day which threatened to be overshadowed by an injury scare involving Graeme Swann left them well-placed in their Ashes warm-up match against Essex.
Essex, at stumps on Monday’s second day of four at Chelmsford, were 231 for nine in reply to England’s first innings 413 for nine declared, a deficit of 182 runs.
Swann was hit on his right forearm by Essex paceman Tymal Mills in the course of making 94 on Monday morning. In his absence Joe Root, earmarked to open in next week’s first Ashes Test alongside England captain Alastair Cook, took a career-best four for 57 with his off-spinners.England had been in trouble at 212 for seven, with all of their top order getting to double figures without pressing on, but their innings was boosted by a stand of 187 between Tim Bresnan (105 not out) and Swann in an innings where novice Essex leg-spinner Tom Craddock took a career-best five for 69.