Ali Brown completed an unbeaten half-century as Notts registered a slim first innings lead before the Essex batsmen found form in their second innings.

Notts were all out for 180 inside 47 overs and Essex will resume on 265-4 with a lead of 161.

“The wicket has flattened out and we didn’t beat the bat much today so I’m not particularly surprised that the batsmen have had an easier time of it,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“We saw good bowling from both teams on day one and there was some poor vatting as well but we’re massively disappointed that we’ve missed an opportunity to build a first innings lead.

“The new ball is due in the morning and we have to take adavantage of that and make the first session count but if Essex manage to bat into the evening session then we might be battling a bit.

“I’m pleased with the showing of our bowlers though and Charlie Shreck has been excellent. The first session will be key and we have to try and find another way to win the game.”

Maunders, Mickleburgh and Walker all completed half-centuries whilst Charlie Shreck returned 2-49. Samit Patel had Mickleburgh lbw nine runs short of his century.