County Championship Preview: Essex

Essex were off the pace last year despite continued heroics from Harmer

Mar 04, 2023

Essex had an odd season last time out, They were never in title contention but they kept on Spinning teams out thanks to Simon Harmer and the fact that nobody on the County Circuit can play him despite England giving him some serious tap at Old Trafford last Summer.

This year he might struggle away as the Bazball approach filters down but I wouldn’t bet against him taking a boat load of wickets as the Chelmsford honours board can attest.

They also have a Knight of the Realm still going strong at the Top as Big Chef Sir Alastair Cook scored 966 runs last year at 40 but the rest of their batting wasn’t quite there and with a bowling attack not as all-round potent as Hampshire they were never in the conversation for the title.

Alastair Cook notched his 69th first-class hundred

Although with the Little Chef Sam Cook they have found a traditional Medium-Fast Bowler with an impeccable line and length who can strangle opposition in all formats. Since last season he has been on tour with the England Lions with both the Red and White Ball but his 51 wickets at 16 with an economy of 2.2 shows his intention to strangle the opposition to death.

Sam Cook took four wickets in Durham's first innings

Essex have to hope that Ben Allison continues his good form with the Red-Ball as although he just played 3 matches he took 12 wickets at 13 and at age 23 he looks like another great future prospect. With Dan Lawrence hoping to force his way back into England selections after he appeared to be a model for Bazball pre-Baz a good season for him can help lift Essex and his own ambitions in the game.