Showman Hassan Ali quickly becoming a fan favourite at Warwickshire

GEORGE DOBELL AT EDGBASTON: There is something about the way he plays - an irrepressible joy, a contagious energy - that both entertains and suggests his commitment is total. Supporters appreciate such things

Hassan Ali is, you suspect, fast on the way to becoming something of a favourite at Edgbaston.

It's not that his figures are especially impressive. And it's not as if he's going to be able to spend the time at the club that previous overseas favourites could manage.

But there is something about the way he plays - an irrepressible joy, a contagious energy - that both entertains and suggests his commitment is total. Supporters appreciate such things.

He's contributing with bat and ball, too. When he came to the crease on Friday, his side had a lead of just 29 and were in danger of squandering their excellent bowling on Thursday. Moments later, they were nine down and the lead was just 46.

But so well did he strike the ball and so fine was the support from Olly Hannon-Dalby, that Hassan not only reached 50 from 33 balls, but helped Warwickshire post a tenth-wicket stand of 70 in 11 overs to extend that lead to 116. It was a county record for the wicket against this opposition. More importantly, in terms of the match and, perhaps, the Championship title, it may prove to be a vital contribution.

^{Hassan reached 50 from just 33 balls [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

It was the way Hassan scored his runs which was most enjoyable, though. Of his four sixes, three were carted over wide mid-on - cow corner, in other words - with one other driven over long off. Two of them were played with the back knee on the ground and terrific power. There were four fours, too.

Hannon-Dalby has earned a reputation as something of a blocker in recent times. But here he doubled his career tally of sixes in two balls after successive pulls for six off Doug Bracewell. By the time he fell, Warwickshire's lead stretched behind the horizon and Essex's heads had dropped a little.

Hassan followed up with the key wicket. Alastair Cook, who looks as secure as ever despite some relatively modest scores, was trapped leg before by one angled into him - similar to his first innings delivery - to leave Essex's hopes of clawing their way back into this match hanging by a thread.

By then, Nick Browne and Tom Westley had already gone - Browne to a beauty which pitched and held its line from Chris Rushworth - and Dan Lawrence, who had already been dropped in the slips off Hassan, followed before the close. As a result, Warwickshire have an excellent chance of going top of the table over the next 24 hours. Essex are still 30 behind with four top-order wickets having fallen.

^{Olly Hannon-Dalby supported Hassan with the bat [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

Warwickshire did not have things all their own way in the earlier part of the day. While Sam Hain and Will Rhodes batted through the first session in posting 91 for the third wicket - easily the highest stand of the match to date - life was far more difficult once the benefit of the heavy roller had worn off.

Essex hit back with a spell of seven wickets for 64 runs with Hain bowled by a peach of a ball from Shane Snater which pitched middle and hit the top of off, Ed Barnard's pleasing innings ended by one which may have nipped back and Dan Mousley caught off an inside edge which ballooned to slip.

This was an important innings for Rhodes, though. He has a fine record as captain but, with Warwickshire now blessed with excellent seam bowling depths, his own medium-pace is less useful and his lack of runs was starting to raise questions about his ability to retain a place in the side. He hadn't made double-figures in the previous three matches.

He provided a reminder of what a good player he is here, though. And if his side go on to complete victory against these title rivals on day three, can feel well satisfied with his contribution.