Ben Allison makes his mark with bat and ball as Essex take control on rain-hit day

Ben Allison made his mark with bat and ball on a badly rain-affected second day between Northamptonshire and Essex at Wantage Road.

Only 29 overs were possible, but Essex seamer Allison made the most of them, turning his overnight unbeaten 37 into a career-best 69 not out before the visitors were finally bowled out for 263, Tom Taylor taking 4 for 59.

The tailender's latest batting escapade means he now has the remarkable stat of making more 50s (three) than single-figure scores in his short first-class career to date.

Allison and Sam Cook then struck early blows with the new ball as Northamptonshire struggled to 32 for 2 in bowler-friendly conditions before bad light called a halt.

Overnight and morning rain delayed the start until 2:30pm but just six balls were bowled before another heavy shower drove the players off once more.

When they returned, 26 more were bowled which proved enough to see the end of Tom Westley, who chopped on to give Taylor his fourth scalp of the innings. The Essex skipper's ninth-wicket stand with Allison had realised 72.

Allison on 46 at the time of the second interruption soon passed 50 courtesy of his seventh four and his career-best soon followed as a last-wicket stand with Cook raised 39 before the latter was castled by Jack White.

Cook didn't take long to make a breakthrough ball in hand. His first delivery saw Emilio Gay edge just short of point, the ball running away for two runs. The left-hander's reprieve was brief however as Cook's next ball trapped him plumb in front.

New batter Ricardo Vasconcelos endured a torrid stay. Struck painful blows not once but twice by Cook, he was undone by the arrival in the attack of Allison who bowled him from with he tried to leave, but which ricochet into his stumps.

Will Young and Luke Procter prevented any further breakthrough before the murky light closed in.