JOHN Morris (left) was bemused and irritated by the late collapse that handed the initiative back to Essex yesterday.

Having watched Jamie Pipe and Greg Smith build an innings-saving partnership of 140 for the sixth wicket, the head of cricket saw the last five Derbyshire wickets tumble for 11 runs in 23 balls to leave them 271 all out, behind by 133.

Morris was delighted with the partnership but not much else gave him cause for satisfaction.

“The partnership between Greg Smith and Jamie Pipe was brilliant but as soon as Greg got out, we collapsed,” he said. “We showed great character to pull back from 120-5 because it didn't look like we were going to get anywhere near to 250. But having got to 160 and lose five wickets for nothing is very, very disappointing.

“The ball certainly started to reverse swing. There was communication up here telling people Bopara was starting to reverse it, so we were aware of it, we just didn't handle it. Our tail has got us out of a lot of messes this year, so we are not pointing fingers at them.

“Again, we had players getting 20s at the top of the order and looking solid so you don't think there is a problem and the next minute they are sat there talking to you. It's very frustrating.”