By Ananova
July 25 2002

A double-century from captain Steve James left Glamorgan firmly in control of their Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash against Essex. James, who finished the day on 235 not out, hit his best championship innings of the season as Glamorgan finished on 505 for six in reply to Essex's 231 all out.

And Essex captain Ronnie Irani was dealt a further blow with news wicketkeeper James Foster sustained a broken thumb.

Foster, who was in his second game back from injury after breaking his forearm, broke his left thumb after keeping wicket to John Stephenson and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.

Earlier the warm, sunny conditions made for an improved batting wicket as Glamorgan openers Dean Cosker and James fashioned an impressive 75 partnership.

Ronnie Irani and Jo Grant led the Essex charge but were outfoxed by a fine batting display.

Three hostile cover drives to the boundary in the same Grant over signalled the James' intentions as he raced to his fourth championship 50 of the season in 84 balls.

But Irani's introduction of left-hander Justin Bishop had the desired effect as tireless pressure finally displaced Cosker for 37.

A good-length ball tempted the Glamorgan opener into an off drive, but he succeeded merely in top-edging the ball through to Foster behind the wicket.

And four overs later, new batsman Daniel Cherry became Bishop's second victim - trapping Cherry lbw.

It was left to Adrian Dale to carry the fight to Essex and he made an emphatic start, driving a Bishop half-volley to the boundary on just his fourth delivery.

At the other end, James was looking irresistible. A subtle glance and an aggressive cover drive off John Stephenson were among his array of strokes.

Irani brought off-spinner Tim Phillips into the fray and this too brought success as he claimed the wicket of Dale (12) with his first delivery.

But James, accompanied by an important contribution from Michael Powell, marched on to an inspired century off 132 balls that eased the visitors past the 200 mark.

Powell was also nearing his half-century before James Middlebrook trapped him in front playing across the line.

And with Irani's men tiring in the field, new batsman Matthew Maynard continued his rich vein of form with 76 off just 88 deliveries that included two huge sixes over long-on.

Maynard reached his fifth half-century in as many innings before providing Stephenson with a return catch.

Mark Wallace hit 34 before getting clean-bowled by the persistent Irani, but it was James who stole the show.

His 200 came off just 233 balls and leaves him well placed to challenge his highest championship score of 309 not out.