BBC Local Live: Essex

Colin Ackermann's long spell in the middle came to an end on 112, having been in the middle since the fifth over this morning.

He faced 231 balls, putting on 73 for the third wicket with David Bedingham (52) and 137 for the fourth wicket with Ollie Robinson (90).

There was also a 53-run stand for the seventh wicket with Paul Coughlin, which ended when Ackermann departed.

Durham wicket-keeper batsman Ollie Robinson is enjoying a bright start to the season. He's scored at least 50 in every innings so far.

His half century today follows 55 and 67* at Kidderminster last weekend.

Prior to that he made 60 and 52 in a high-scoring draw at Edgbaston.

He's also put on 81 runs with Colin Ackermann, who has 35. They came together when David Bedingham was out in the 21st over, before lunch, for 52.

Today's 50 included 11 fours.

Durham chose to bat against leaders Essex on a cold morning in the North East. And both openers were back in the pavilion within the first six overs.

Young Yorkshire wicket-keeper Harry Duke has been drafted in on loan by Essex and was soon involved in the action, with his cracking one-handed catch, low to his left, to dismiss Scott Borthwick off Jamie Porter.

Five balls later Alex Lees was adjudged to have been caught behind off Sam Cook when he was on four. He looked stunned to be given out but umpire Rob White said he'd hit it.

The Essex bowlers are getting the ball to move around and bowling really tight lines. But David Bedingham and Colin Ackermann are now out in the middle rescuing the situation.