JAIK Mickleburgh proved he is a player for the present and the future as he struck a sparkling century for Essex against champions Durham.

The 20-year-old saw off a top-class attack, scoring 103 not out to help Essex to 263-4 at the end of the First day of their LV= County Championship division one clash at Chester-le-Street.

Mickleburgh came the crease with Essex 29-2, after Billy Godleman was departed for a duck and John Maunders for just 11.

The youngster was joined at the crease by Alastair Cook, playing his first game of the season, and the pair put on 60 for the third wicket before Cook was out for 44.

Skipper Mark Pettini did not last long, contributing only four, but James Foster and Mickleburgh, who went past three figures for the first time in First-Class cricket, saw out the rest of the day, with Foster striking seven fours and a six in his 66 not out to leave Essex in a strong position.

Essex have signed New Zealand opening bowler Chris Martin as an overseas replacement for Danish Kaneria during the next few weeks.

Kaneria is unavailable for the start of the season due to domestic cricket commitments in Pakistan and is not due to arrive until April 29.

But Essex were quick to snap up seamer Martin, 35, who had a spell playing county cricket for Warwickshire in 2008.

He will be available when Essex host Lancashire in the championship next Wednesday.

As overseas players must be registered with the ECB for a minimum period of 21 days, he will be with Essex until the conclusion of their match against Yorkshire at Scarborough on May 7.

Coach Paul Grayson said: “We are delighted that Chris will be joining us.

“He is a top-class bowler and is keen to play county championship cricket.

“Chris will be a good replacement in this interim period and we look forward to welcoming him to Essex ahead of the Lancashire game.”