Essex get their County Championship season underway today as they face Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.
Anthony McGrath told the Essex ccc website:
“I’m looking for us to start the season well and get that early confidence with bat and ball.”
Essex have not lost to Hampshire in the County Championship since 2014 and with the hosts only just avoiding relegation last season, the Eagles will be red hot favourites.
Cook’s Ton
It is with the bat where Essex will look to do most of the damage in this fixture, with key man Sir Alastair Cook looking in ominous form.
The former England international scored 150 not out last week against Cambridge MCCU and his return to the County Championship has been hotly anticipated.
Bowling Shake Up
They will have to deal without having Peter Siddle among their bowling line up and Matt Coles has been ruled out with a groin strain.
However this will not allow the Essex squad to lose any confidence, as they still have Jamie Porter available.
The Leytonstone born fast bowler has been formidable for the Eagles ever since he guided them to the title in 2017.
With the likes of Aaron Beard and Sam Cook also looking to cement a place as first XI regulars, the bowling department will make do despite the injuries bestowed upon them.
Vince’s Vengeance
The key man for the hosts is of course their skipper, James Vince.
The 28 year old will be staking a claim to regain his England spot before the Ashes this summer and Essex will have to proceed with caution as Vince’s top score of 240 came against them in 2014.
This is set to be a brilliant game of the season and both sides will play their part in this season County Championship curtain raiser.
