Ethan Bamber hits maiden first-class century | Essex vs Warwickshire | Day 3 highlights

Ethan Bamber, nominally batting as nightwatchman, enjoyed the day of his life in recording his maiden first-class century to help Warwickshire narrowly avoid following on in the Rothesay County Championship match at Chelmsford. Despite Matt Critchley, the main spin option in the absence of Simon Harmer, taking 5-156 from 37 overs, Ed Barnard made sure Warwickshire past the 453-run target to make Essex bat again with just No. 11 batter Oliver Hannon-Dalby for company. In the team primarily as an opening bowler, the 26-year-old Bamber had never surpassed the 46 not out he compiled against Surrey two summers ago when with Middlesex. But he was unflustered and correct in defence and attack in remaining at the crease for nearly four hours for his crucial 107 that makes a draw on the fourth day inevitable.