Essex flew out to Abu Dhabi last Sunday and began their pre-season training camp with two days of fielding practice, net sessions and fitness work.
The side then played Worcestershire Rapids in what was their first competitive match of 2019, losing the toss and being asked to bowl first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
The Eagles started well, as Jamie Porter’s pace proved the undoing of opener Alex Milton, before Sam Cook removed Olly Westbury with a beautiful delivery to reduce the Rapids to 19-2.
However, the Rapids fought back thanks to half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell, Josh Dell and George Rhodes, closing on 293-7 from their 50 overs. Jamie Porter was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-61 to restrict the Rapids to a par score in excellent conditions for batting.
Alastair Cook made fifty in his maiden innings as a Knight and Ryan ten Doeschate (62) maneuvered the ball expertly to put the pressure back on Worcestershire. Cook then fell playing the sweep, but Adam Wheater maintained the momentum, hitting 11 fours and two sixes on his way to a magnificent century from just 77 balls.
Unfortunately, wickets were following at the other end. Charlie Morris took 4-39 to trigger a collapse from 220-5 to 289 all out, with Wheater left stranded on 102* with an over to go and just 4 runs to win.
It was an extremely close game and a great run out for the side, with great bowling figures and batting scores from plenty within the squad.
