GLEN CHAPPLE defied a hamstring problem to make a point to England captain Nasser Hussain in Lancashire's tense Championship match against Essex yesterday.

Chapple hit Hussain in the chest with a nasty short ball, then switched ends to have him caught at short leg by Jamie Haynes.

It was a vital wicket for Lancashire as Hussain had made 54 in a third wicket stand of 90 with Andy Flower which was threatening to put Essex well on top.

But Chapple followed up by bowling the dangerous Aftab Habib then Carl Hooper saw off former Zimbabwe captain Flower for 46.

Peter Martin returned to knock out Ronnie Irani's off stump, and Chris Schofield took a wicket to leave Essex on 177 for seven - still 41 runs behind Lancashire's first innings total.