WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Matt Henry broke the Essex second-wicket partnership of 222 between Alastair Cook and Tom Westley on the second day of the Specsavers County Championship clash at New Road.

The New Zealander struck for the second time in the innings when he trapped Westley lbw for 125 with the total on 238 in the 66th over.

But it was hard work for the County bowlers on a good pitch on another truncated day after bad light and rain meant 47 overs were lost.

Essex go into the third day on 335-2 from 90 overs with England Test captain Cook unbeaten on 130 and Ravi Bopara on 48 not out.

Westley and Cook reeled off a succession of boundaries although the former had good fortune when twice edging Henry (2-70) to the boundary.

A single on the leg-side off Ed Barnard brought up Westley's hundred off 163 balls with 17 fours and one six out of 188-1 in the 55th over.

The 200 partnership came up in 56 overs but bad light and then rain meant play did not restart until 4.45pm with 28 overs remaining.

Westley added only three more runs before Henry ended his fine 198-ball knock.

Bopara came to the wicket and helped Essex top the 300-mark.

Cook's innings was off 254 balls with 20 fours and one six.

Jack Shantry bowled the most economically with 52 runs off 24 overs.