Local media descended on The Cloudfm County Ground today as Essex CCC launched their County season, ahead of Friday’s opening game against Lancashire.
The team were promoted to Division 1 last season and face a tough challenge to stay up, but Head Coach Chris Silverwood is simply looking to make the team’s presence felt.
Club Captain Ryan ten Doeschate wouldn’t be drawn on survival either, and equally remained coy on who would take the wicketkeeper’s gloves.
England’s Alastair Cook is available for the beginning of the County Summer, but unfortunately will be missing Friday’s fixture through injury.
There are also a number of new faces around the team this season, including New Zealand seamer Neil Wagner, who could face his former County on Friday.
Essex kick off the season in County Championship action on Friday, as they play host to Lancashire at Chelmsford. Play starts at 11am on all 4 days.