Jaik Mickleburgh had a bizarre reprieve against England bowler James Anderson as Essex struggled in their Division One match against Lancashire at Chelmsford yesterday.

Jaik Mickleburgh had a bizarre reprieve against England bowler James Anderson as Essex struggled in their Division One match against Lancashire at Chelmsford yesterday.

The Norfolk youngster was given out by umpire Peter Willey as Anderson raced down the wicket to take what he believed was a return catch.

Mickleburgh, looking back and obviously unhappy, was halfway to the pavilion when he was called back after Willey and his colleague Nigel Llong, standing at square leg, conferred.

It was ruled that the ball had come off the batsman's helmet and he continued his innings to keep Alastair Cook company until the end, finishing on 7no.

Resuming yesterday morning on 83 for three after Anderson's six wickets had helped dismiss the hosts for 176, Lancashire reached 312 on the back of Paul Horton's 123.

England paceman Anderson was soon adding to his list of victims after Essex embarked upon their second innings, removing Billy Godleman and John Maunders lbw in his first six overs before Essex closed on 46-2.