(Video) Essex’s Dan Lawrence chips in with brisk 78 to hammer home the advantage

Sir Alastair Cook batted with poise to construct a ton for Essex against Surrey in the County Championship. He was ably supported by Dan Lawrence, who mustered up a fluent 78 to stage Essex’s ride to 229/3 at Stumps on the opening day at the Kia Oval. The youngster recorded his fifty off 79 balls which saw a host of gorgeous drives, including a straight punch down the ground. The timing on that was pristine, validated by the crunchy crack of willow on leather.