COOK SETS ESSEX RECORD

ALASTAIR COOK recovered from a blow to the jaw before play to destroy the Middlesex attack in an Essex record opening partnership with Nick Browne. England batsman Cook (above) was hit by a ball in fielding practice and stayed down for several minutes having treatment. But he was fit to resume on his overnight score of 64 and set about compiling a stand of 373 with Browne. It beat the record of Graham Gooch and Paul Prichard, who made 316 for the first wicket against Kent in 1994. Cook was finally out for 193 — his sixth century of the season.