Aside from a lack of wickets, there weren’t a plethora of chances created by Yorkshire’s bowlers, who had to deal with a lack of movement and pace in the pitch.
The one obvious one that did arrive, Adam Lyth was unable to hold on at slip off Dom Bess’s off-spin with Elgar on 69 shortly before tea, where Essex reached at 164-1 from 64 overs.
The day’s first of only five extras came at the start of the 67th over, a leg bye as Bess bowled to Elgar. That indicated the discipline from Yorkshire’s bowling attack.
The hope is that the pitch will break up as the contest goes on to bring the likes of Bess and Essex’s off-spinner Simon Harmer more into things.
If not, supporters and players alike could be in for a long four days.
When Westley, who was classy on the drive, reached his latest century off 227 balls, Essex were 206-1 in the 83rd over, the new ball now in operation.
However, both fell in successive overs as Essex fell from 222-1 to 226-3 in the 87th.
Westley was trapped lbw playing back against Coad before pulling Elgar, who was caught behind one-handed down leg by Bairstow off Sutherland.
England fringe batter Jordan Cox will begin day two unbeaten on 13.
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