Essex v Lancashire
LV= Insurance County Championship
The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April
11am Start
After a convincing opening-round victory against Middlesex at Lord’s, Essex look forward to a first game on home turf against Lancashire starting on Thursday.
Tom Westley’s side will be looking to continue their good start to the season, whilst Lancashire will want to rediscover last year’s form which saw them finish 2nd in the table.
Squad:
The 13 players named in the squad for the victory over Middlesex keep their places, whilst the arrival of the New Zealander Doug Bracewell means a 14-player squad has been named for this week’s fixture.
Keaton Jennings (c)
James Anderson
Tom Bailey
George Balderson
George Bell
Josh Bohannon
Steven Croft
Colin de Grandhomme
Tom Hartley
Rob Jones
Dane Vilas
Luke Wells
Will Williams
The Opposition:
Lancashire have raided New Zealand for two overseas signings, bringing in former and current international all-rounders Colin de Grandhomme and Daryl Mitchell. Retired Black Cap de Grandhomme starts the season for the red rose county with Mitchell not heading to Manchester until May 11 for his three-match stint.
The visitors remain without England trio Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt who are all away currently playing in the Indian Premier League, but Lancashire and England legend Jimmy Anderson is set to return to action ahead of what is set to be an important summer for the seamer.
Anderson is aware of the challenge of facing Essex and said: “They [Essex] are another great attack. There are a lot of good bowlers around on the county circuit now, and everything’s a challenge. No first-class runs are easy.
“But it’s a challenge we’re ready for.”
Last Time We Met:
George Balderson claimed a hat-trick to wreck Essex hopes in an incredible match at Chelmsford that spanned just a little over 4 sessions.
The pace bowler finished with 5/14 from seven overs and was duly supported by Will Williams who returned 4/24 as Essex lost lost nine wickets for 35 runs in pursuit of 98 to win.
Simon Harmer’s prodigal return from international duty with South Africa was marked with another five-wicket haul for the Club with 26 wickets falling on the opening day at Chelmsford.
The off-spinner, who had bowled just 23 overs in two months since his last appearance for Essex in late July, claimed his sixth five-wicket haul of the summer to take his tally past fifty for the fifth time in six seasons. But while his 5/41 helped skittle Lancashire for 131, Essex struggled to capitalise in the third v fourth clash in the LV= Insurance County Championship.
All-rounder, Snater capped off a fine individual performance by being awarded his county cap during the lunch interval following an outstanding season for the Club.
How To Watch:
If you’re unable to attend, the game will be streamed live from Chelmsford and available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone or on the Essex Cricket TV YouTube channel.
Miss the action? Highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media channels.
Tickets:
With the mouthwatering prospect of a rare clash between Alastair Cook and James Anderson, this fixture will be well worth a watch! Advance tickets cost £14 for Adults and £5 for Juniors, while tickets on the gate are £17 for Adults.
