Essex captain Tom Westley had set the ball rolling with 68 earlier than he grew to become the primary of on-loan Surrey spinner Amar Virdi’s three wickets for 126 in a marathon 37.4-over spell.
Ethan Brookes additionally picked up three wickets earlier than Worcestershire decreased the deficit by two runs with out loss in 5 overs earlier than stumps.
Brookes celebrated his maiden first-class wicket earlier than he broke Robin Das’ middle-stump to finish a second-wicket stand of 65 with Westley, and the 23-year-old seamer didn’t have lengthy to attend for his second as Jordan Cox, launched by England the day earlier than to play for Essex, fell cheaply.
Brett D’Oliveira introduced himself on for an over earlier than lunch and together with his third ball had Matt Critchley lunging ahead earlier than being rapped fatally on his entrance pad as Essex slipped to 146-4.
Westley, Paul Walter (33) and Simon Harmer all fell earlier than Essex had reached parity with Worcestershire however Pepper stood agency and, with assist from Snater, who weighed in with 53, helped the hosts construct a wholesome lead.
Report provided by ECB Reporters’ Community
