Glamorgan lose again at Chelmsford after Hussain hits 161*

Glamorgan suffered another defeat under floodlights, losing to Essex by 145 runs at Chelmsford after the home team had amassed 298-5 with Nasser Hussain scoring a career best 161* - the second highest individual score against Glamorgan in League cricket and his second century in the competition against Glamorgan this season.

Three weeks ago the former England captain hit an unbeaten 144 at Cardiff, so after his fine innings tonight, his aggregate against this season in League matches against the Welsh county stands at 305 runs and all without having been dismissed. He also became the first ever batsman to score a League century at home and away against Glamorgan in the same season.

Hussain`s 161 came from 146 balls and contained 21 fours and 1 six - the most number of boundaries ever scored in an innings against Glamorgan in the competition. He also came just two runs short of creating another record, as he added 176 for the first wicket with Andy Flower, with their opening stand falling one run short of the record set by Worcestershire`s Glenn Turner and John Parker at New Road in 1973 when they added 177 for the first wicket.

The only bowler to cause Essex any trouble, and the only Glamorgan bowler to take any wickets was Dean Cosker who returned career-best figures of 5/54. The spinner broke the opening stand in his third over, and then briefly stifled their progress in a spell of 3-7 in 9 balls. But Jon Dakin came in to give Hussain valuable assistance towards the end of the inniongs, as Dakin clubbed 40 from 23 balls too steer Essex to their final total of 298-5.

For Glamorgan to win, they needed a good start, but 18 year old swing bowler Tony Palladino dismissed Robert Croft and Michael Powell in his opening over as Glamorgan slipped to 3-2. Matthew Maynard then made a majestic 50 from just 28 balls with 6 fours and 3 mighty sixes, but shortly after reaching his fifty he was trapped leg before by Graham Napier. Three balls later David Hemp was bowled and then in Napier`s next over Maher was caught by Hussain as he attempted to hit over the top.

Despite a few lusty blows from Michael Kasprowicz, Glamorgan were eventually dismissed in the 27th over for 153, having lost their last 8 wickets in the space of just 15 overs.