Essex will be looking to notch a fifth home win of the Championship campaign and thus maintain a 100% record at The Cloudfm County Ground when they entertain Yorkshire starting on Sunday.
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath has named a 13-man squad with batsman Rishi Patel and pace bowler Matt Quinn added to the eleven that beat Nottinghamshire earlier this week at Trent Bridge.
That success, when Essex prevailed by an innings and 123 runs in a one-sided affair, afforded the county their first success away from Chelmsford to maintain the pressure on leaders Somerset.
The West Country side currently have a 15-point advantage over Essex, whilst Yorkshire start the game in third position and will be looking to reduce the 21 points which currently stand between them and second place.
Essex Captain, Ryan ten Doeschate was delighted to see his side chalk up a first victory away from Chelmsford. “It’s never easy to get a win away from home and that was a very flat wicket,” he said.
“I know Notts are bottom of the table and that they are having a tough time of it, but they are still a good side, so we’re delighted to come away with the points. That win made it five wins for us in the last six games and we are gathering momentum.”
Asked about the prospects of another tilt at the title the 39-year-old, who brought the Championship pennant back to Chelmsford in 2017 after a 25-year gap, stated: ” I think it’s important not to look too far ahead.
“We did make a slow start this season but now we are gathering momentum. I think to have a chance to win the Championship, you have to have to go on a run of exceptional form and Somerset have done that in the early part of the season.
“For anyone to challenge them you have to string a number of wins together.
“It was important that we beat them in our match at Chelmsford because had they won; it probably would have been too much of a gap to bridge.
“So, we’re giving ourselves a chance, there is a lot of confidence and belief in the squad. But there’s a long way to go yet, and all we can do is to keep chipping way and see what happens.”
Yorkshire arrive in good heart having beaten Surrey in their latest Championship match and completing victory – their third of the season – with just five minutes to spare.
Essex squad to face Yorkshire:
Ryan ten Doeschate (Captain) (27)
Aaron Beard (14)
Ravi Bopara (25)
Nick Browne (10)
Alastair Cook (26)
Simon Harmer (11)
Dan Lawrence (28)
Rishi Patel (12)
Jamie Porter (44)
Matt Quinn (94)
Peter Siddle (64)
Tom Westley (21)
Adam Wheater (wicket-keeper) (31)
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