England seamer Matthew Potts, who is hoping to seal an Ashes place in the final weeks of the season, has endured a frustrating spell as Durham toiled in their County Championship match at Essex.

He sent down 18 wicketless overs for 49 as former South Africa captain Dean Elgar held centre stage for the hosts at Chelmsford on Tuesday.

Elgar was an immovable object, hitting an unbeaten 140 to put Essex on track to build a big lead over Durham

Replying to 333 all out, Elgar spent over five-and-a-half hours at the crease as he shepherded the hosts to 3-312. Matt Critchley proved the ideal foil for the opener, sharing in a stand of 154, and will resume on day three on 97 not out.

England seamer Josh Tongue has continued to make hay against his former club, pushing title hopefuls Nottinghamsh

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