Essex docked 12 points over use of 'wide bat'

Essex have been docked 12 points by the Cricket Discipline Commission after one of their players used an oversized bat this season, all-but ending their hopes of winning the County Championship.

Feroze Khushi's bat failed an on-field dimensions check during his second innings of April's match at Nottinghamshire which Essex won by 254 runs.

Essex took 20 points from the game but have now lost 12 of those due to Khushi's bat being wider than permitted.

The points deduction leaves Essex 56 points behind Division One leaders Surrey, with two more matches remaining after the current round of games.

More to follow.