THE MASTER IS STILL AN ESSEX RUN MACHINE

ALASTAIR COOK scored his 69th first-class hundred at the Kia Oval as Essex reached stumps with 299 for three on the first day of their County Championship match against Surrey. A good-sized crowd rose to applaud the former England captain when he reached three figures just ahead of tea before finishing the day 140 not out. After dominating a 120-run second-wicket partnership with Tom Westley, Cook went on to add a further 145 in 41 overs with Dan Lawrence as Essex went in search of a thirdsuccessive Division Two victory.