James Harris stars with bat and ball as Alastair Cook flops for Essex

James Harris emerged as Glamorgan's star on the opening day of their LV= County Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford.

First the 20-year-old put together a well-constructed 53 in the lower order to usher the visitors to a respectable 282 total after they had been put in to bat.

Then Harris shone with the ball as he claimed the prized wicket of Alastair Cook, the England opener falling lbw for five as Essex closed on 13 for one in reply.

Harris' performance was a boost for the Welsh county although they were no doubt disappointed to not post a bigger total given the fact several of their batsmen failed to make substantial scores when looking well set.

Although William Bragg made 55, three of his colleagues were dismissed in the 30s, making Harris' late rally all the more vital.