Alastair Cook hits a century that results in a draw between Essex and Sussex.

Alastair Cook hits a century that results in a draw between Essex and Sussex.

England Test Captain Alastair Cook hit an unbeaten century as Essex held on to secure a draw against Sussex at Hove.

Essex was set 329 to win after Sussex were bowled out for 288 in the morning as Jamie Porter finished with 5-82.

Lancashire marked their return to the championship’s top flight with an emphatic opening win over Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford. For more, you can also visit BBC.

Cook, who was dropped on one by Danny Briggs, remained vigilant after the visitors fell to 128-4 and lost regular wickets throughout the afternoon as the seamers ran through the top order.

Cook’s 103-run fifth wicket partnership with Jesse Ryder had briefly given Essex hope of victory, with 95 needed from a minimum of 16 overs, before Ryder was bowled by Luke Wells.

See the tweet below.

Actually, the task was simple one after Neil Wagner bowled Lancashire into a position which required them to make only 86 in their second innings.

Cook bagged his second century of the new Specsavers Country Championship this season-time wearing an England and Wales Cricket Board-complaint helmet.

It was the 52nd of his first-class career, and Cook finished unbeaten with 127 on the final day of this summer’s second round of matches.

He did so, having reluctantly ditched the helmet he wore while making a century against Gloucestershire last week- in order to conform to new ECB safety regulations.

Cook could not quite help Essex to a second successive Division two win as they closed on 266 for seven in pursuit of 329 after Jamie Porter had begun the day by joining Graham Napier.

However, Cook and Graham Napier (six not out) survived the new ball as Essex remained unbeaten following their win over Gloucestershire last week.

The game was pretty awesome the draw he created was something. Here is a video you should watch: Cook ton ensures Essex survive.