A Joe Clarke century was the highlight as Nottinghamshire secured a 40-run first-innings lead on day two of their Vitality County Championship match against Essex.

Essex had their noses in front again by the close, although they lost Feroze Khushi to a catch at first slip, finishing on 65 for one.

Earlier, Clarke made 104, sharing a partnership of 159 with Nottinghamshire debutant Jack Haynes, who hit 77.

Clarke, who enjoyed his best season as a Nottinghamshire batter in 2023, appeared in complete control as he passed fifty with a pull for six off Paul Walter and completed his 21st career hundred by sweeping and cutting Harmer for consecutive fours.

When he departed shortly after reaching three figures, he had accumulated 16 fours and one six, while Haynes also played shots that were pleasing on the eye alongside the assured Outlaws T20 captain.

Their partnership added 159 in a little over 44 overs, taking Nottinghamshire into the lead.

But Sam Cook would secure a maiden First-Class hat-trick, dismissing Lyndon James, Brett Hutton and Dillon Pennington with consecutive deliveries in his first over with the second new ball to finish with figures of four for 59.  

It was the 26-year-old seamer’s second senior hat-trick - his first coming gainst Kent in the Vitality Blast last summer.

Essex had been dismissed for 253 in their first innings as Nottinghamshire needed only 13 deliveries at the start of the morning to pick up the one wicket needed overnight, although Jamie Porter was able to secure a first batting point of the season before he was caught at first slip as Pennington grabbed a second debut wicket.

Nottinghamshire openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett looked comfortable initially, but when Shane Snater relieved Jamie Porter at the Radcliffe Road he dismissed Duckett with his first delivery, which did enough to pass the edge of the England left-hander’s defensive bat and clip off stump.

Cook followed up with a leg before against Ben Slater before Hameed was caught behind for 32 and Matthew Montgomery was caught at slip off Simon Harmer.

Yet Essex could make no further inroads in the afternoon session as Clarke and Haynes took control. 

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