Essex travel to Taunton to face Somerset in the 2019 County Championship decider knowing that they only need to avoid defeat in order to bring the Championship back to Chelmsford for the second time in three years.
Whilst Ryan ten Doeschate’s side were maintaining their 100% home record with a comprehensive victory over Surrey, the West Country side fell to defeat against a Kyle Abbott inspired Hampshire for whom the pace bowler claimed 17 wickets.
The popular Essex skipper, who took a century off the Surrey attack for the second time this season, admits that he was delighted to play his full part in the side’s success.
He said: “I’ve felt pretty good all season without getting the scores so that hundred was long overdue and it was a massive weight off my shoulders.
“Our match against Surrey was a must-win game and to get the job done in such a terrific manner was really pleasing.
“It now means we have points in the bag just in case it does rain but if we do get enough cricket played at Taunton, we are going to have a very exciting conclusion to what has been a very tough season.
“It has been a tough season but the resolve and the desire from the team and coaching staff for getting their heads around and absorbing all the pressure and meeting various situations has been incredible.
“I think we were 50 points or so adrift of Somerset at one stage, but a series of clinical performances has given us a chance to win the Championship. That’s the beauty of the Championship and why you chase after it and the reason it is so important is because it is so tough.”
Essex squad to face Somerset:
Ryan ten Doeschate (27) (Captain)
Ben Allison (65)
Aaron Beard (14)
Ravi Bopara (25)
Nick Browne (10)
Varun Chopra (6)
Alastair Cook (26)
Sam Cook (16)
Simon Harmer (11)
Dan Lawrence (28)
Aron Nijjar (24)
Rishi Patel (12)
Jamie Porter (44)
Tom Westley (21)
Adam Wheater (31) (Wicket-keeper)
