After finishing 3rd in last season’s County Championship, Essex are hoping to reclaim county cricket glory by claiming the title back from last years winners Surrey.
The Eagles play Surrey early in the season with the hotly contested fixture being Surrey’s first competitive game of the season, whereas Essex have a clash against Hampshire on the opening day.
The Essex vs Hampshire tie takes place on April 5th at the Ageas Bowl.
Chef Returns
Essex have been boosted by Alastair Cook signing a new three year deal and recently retiring from international cricket to concentrate on county cricket.
If Essex do not manage to win the County Championship, they do have a chance in the Vitality summer blast competition and they will be boosted by the return of controversial Pakistan international fast bowler Mohammed Amir.
He will join Essex for six of their eight games in the summer blast before returning to the Caribbean Premier League.
More Opportunities
Another opportunity at silverware for Essex is the Royal London One Day Cup.
The tournament starts on the 17th of April and finishes on the 25th of May. This competition may prove unlucky for Essex as they haven’t won this tournament since 2006.
