Essex miss out on T20 cricket Finals Day

Essex's hopes of reaching Finals Day in the Friends Life T20 cricket competition were ended by Somerset at Taunton tonight (July 24).

Despite the presence of England pair Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara, Essex lost by 27 runs. They were bowled out for 148 after being set 176 to win.

Cook made a big impression in the field after Essex won the toss and chose to bowl first. He took a catch off the first ball of Somerset's innings to dismiss England one-day colleague Craig Kieswetter.

Later on Joss Buttler and Albi Morkel both holed out to Cook to interrupt Somerset's progress. But a half century by James Hildreth ensured they finished their innings strongly on 175 for 6.

Left arm seamer Reece Topley was the pick of the Essex bowlers taking 3-37 off his 4 overs.

In reply Essex made a poor start, losing Mark Pettini and Bopara in the space of 2 balls with just 9 runs on the board. When Cook was caught for 28, Essex had struggled to 53 for 5, and later slumped to 112 for 8.

Dutch T20 international Ryan ten Doeschate threatened a late revival by hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes. But on 47 he was last out in the penultimate over, and the fourth player to be dismissed by Somerset seamer Lewis Gregory.