England's Ashes warm-up match against Essex in Chelmsford has been abandoned on day three due to rain.

The hosts started on 239-9 and went on to add another 39 runs to their first innings total before they were bowled out.

England then made 217-3 in their second innings to establish a lead of 352 runs.

Alastair Cook made 82 before he retired in order to give the rest of the batting order time at the crease, while Jonathan Trott posted a score of 79 before he also bowed out early.

Joe Root (26), Ian Bell (12 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (10 not out) completed the rest of the batting lineup for the day before rain stopped play.

Written by
Jack Prescott