Essex's Flowers in bloom

It was the first time that brothers had scored centuries in the same innings for Essex in any form of cricket. Following Grant's dogged 115, Andy forced home his team's advantage with 138 in a first-innings total of 536 for 9 declared at Old Trafford.

It was also the first time Essex had passed 500 at the ground and in all likelihood extinguished any home hopes of a victory.

Lancashire made a solid start to their innings. After Andre Adams removed Mark Chilton, caught behind by James Foster, Mal Loye and Iain Sutcliffe put on 111 to end on to 126 for 1.

Nottinghamshire moved clear at the top of the County Championship as they completed their win over Warwickshire at Edgbaston yesterday. But they will lose Stephen Fleming, who departs to lead New Zealand on a controversial tour of Zimbabwe.

Needing four for victory on resumption, Darren Bicknell completed the 10-wicket success when he edged the fourth ball of the day to the boundary.

Kent, who were locked in a tight encounter with Surrey at Guildford. Surrey closed 53 ahead on 173 for 2 with Jon Batty and Richard Clinton putting on an opening stand of 107.