Marshall century sinks Essex

Hamish Marshall got New Zealand back into winning ways with a blistering 111 from 97 balls, to see off a spirited Essex side by five wickets at Chelmsford. After their defeat against Derbyshire earlier this week, it was a timely tonic.

After winning the toss, Stephen Fleming opted to bowl first, but his seamers once again lacked penetration as Essex racked up 243 for 3 in their 50 overs. Ronnie Irani was the star of the show, finishing on an unbeaten 72 from 92 balls, with Ravinder Bopara, Paul Grayson and Aftab Habib all chipping in with important innings.

In reply, New Zealand made a terrible start as Stephen Fleming fell in Scott Brant's first over, but Marshall and Nathan Astle picked up the pace in a second-wicket stand of 93. Craig McMillan then broke the back of the run-chase with a 58-ball half-century, before Chris Cairns waded in with a typically destructive 19 from 8 balls, including a four and two sixes, the last of which was smacked over the Tom Pearce Stand to win the match.

New Zealand wrapped up the match with more than 11 overs to spare, and can now approach next week's NatWest Series with a timely injection of confidence.