Sam Cook and Jordan Cox have been selected for England's Test squad for their match against Zimbabwe.
Both Essex players have been named in the 13-player squad for Zimbabwe's visit to Trent Bridge this month, as Brendon McCullum's men face the Chevrons in a one-off Test match in Nottingham starting on May 22.
The historic fixture marks Zimbabwe's first Test on English soil since 2003 and is set to launch England's international summer.
England Men's Test Squad:
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Jordan Cox (Essex)
Zak Crawley (Kent)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Ollie Pope (Surrey)
Matthew Potts (Durham)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
Chelmsford-born Cook, 27, has been one of the country's best bowlers over the past few seasons, claiming 318 wickets in 88 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 19.77. He has featured for the England Lions on many occasions, with his first taste of England duty with the Lions back in October 2021 and most recently throughout this winter against Australia A - where he took 13 wickets across three matches.
The call up is more than deserved for Cook, who showed his class last season by taking 43 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 17.30. The right-arm seam bowler was one of four Essex bowlers in the top 10 wicket-takers in Division One.
Like Cook, Cox has produced fantastic numbers in the County Championship and thoroughly deserves his opportunity on the Test stage.
Former Felsted student Cox, 24, had an incredible debut season for Essex in 2024, scoring 918 runs in 11 first-class matches at a more than impressive average of 65.57. Jordan was set for an England Test debut last November in New Zealand but unfortunately suffered an injury during a net session, so didn't feature.
The boys could both make their England debuts on Thursday May 22 when the Test match begins at 11:00am (GMT).
Anu Mohindru KC, Club Chair, said this on the news: "This is an immensely proud moment for Sam and Jordan, their families, and everyone associated with Essex County Cricket Club.
"Sam now joins the list of Academy graduates called up to the England Test squad, following in the footsteps of Alastair Cook, Tom Westley, Ben Foakes, and most recently, Dan Lawrence.
"It’s also a special day for John Childs, Barry Hyam, and the many coaches who have supported Sam throughout his journey.
"Jordan had a difficult winter after pulling out against New Zealand due to injury but I’m sure he will get his chance soon after the fantastic start to the season with Essex.
"The pair have consistently performed at an elite level in recent seasons and they both fully deserve this opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage."
Everyone at Essex Cricket congratulates Sam and Jordan on their call-ups, which they have both thoroughly deserved, and we wish them the very best on England duty!
Essex Hawks v Middlesex
D40 Quest South
Harlow Town CC
Essex Hawks: Joe Moss, Ronnie Jackson, Benny Fryatt, James Ward, Ben Aust, Alfie Jeeves, Martyn Doe, Laila Robinson, Issac Elles, Alex Roper, Martin Henderson, Amara Law.
Middlesex: Umesh Valjee, Naseer Butt, Aryan Janjale, James Nordin, Craig Fowler, Connor Flaunty, Matthew Jones, Mark Rochester, Kester Sainsbury, Jai Charan, Mohammed Farooq.
Middlesex: 245-4 (40 overs)
Essex Hawks: 37 (15 overs)
Essex Hawks won the toss and elected to bowl
Middlesex won by 208 runs.
Essex Hawks suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of a strong Middlesex side in their opening D40 Quest South fixture of the season, staged at Harlow Town Cricket Club.
Having been put into bat, Middlesex posted a competitive 245 for four with Umesh Valjee leading the way with an unbeaten knock of 147* off 142 balls during a 174-minute stint at the crease. His innings included eleven 4s and one 6.
Essex utilised nine bowlers, with Ronnie Jackson returning figures of 5-0-29-2, while Issac Elles had 5-0-19-1.
The Essex scorecard made for a pretty grim read. Only Elles (10*) and Alfie Jeeves (10) made it to double figures, while James Nordin bowled brilliantly for the visitors, finishing with 7-2-9-7.
Essex & Herts Stags v Essex Kestrels
Super 9s Regional South-East
Harlow Town CC
Essex & Herts Stags: 71
Essex Kestrels: 72-3
Essex Kestrels won the toss and elected to bowl
Essex Kestrels won by seven wickets.
Meanwhile, Essex Kestrels got their Super9s Regional South-East campaign off to a winning start following a competitive encounter with Essex & Herts Stags in a match also at Harlow Town Cricket Club.
The game – the first for the Essex & Herts Stags – a joint team featuring players from both counties playing in a jointly run side. Many of the team made their league debut. The whole team have worked hard over the winter, and their efforts were clear to see with a good solid performance on the field.
Essex & Herts Stags posted 71 with Alex Scott finishing unbeaten on 32*. Harry Willis returned figures of 2-1-16-2, while Kennedy, Alex Myles and Bradley Donovan were amongst the wickets.
The Kestrels reached their target for the loss of one wicket. Phil Law (19*) and Alisha Maxin (14*) carried their side over the line. Joshan Patel trapped James Cole lbw for 12, but his efforts with the ball were in vain.
Essex & Herts Stags: Joshan Patel, Jack Williams, Ed Neale, Charlie Smith-Galer, Jamie William Torr, Krish Bhudia, John Watkinson, Alex Scott, Monty McShane, Daniel Edgington, Jack Williams, Oliver Clarke, James Davies, Jake Hulley.
Essex Kestrels: Bradley Donovan, Steve Denham, Al Maxin, James Cole, Bradley Barker, Charlie Stack, Ollie Kennedy, Phillip Law, Beth Law, Jack Flowers, Harry Willis, Alex Myles.
After securing their first win of the season against Worcestershire and recharging with a week's rest, the Essex Men will head south to face Somerset at Taunton in the fourth round of the County Championship.
In the last round of Rothesay County Championship fixtures, Essex secured a first victory of the season on the final day, defeating Worcestershire by a thrilling 28-run margin.
Worcestershire skipper Brett D'Oliveira won the toss and elected to bowl on what appeared to be a green, seam-friendly pitch, and his bowlers took full advantage — skittling Essex out for 179 in their first innings. Jordan Cox was Essex's highest run-scorer with 32, while Jacob Duffy led the way with the ball for the visitors, finishing with figures of 4/39 after Day One.
The Eagles fought back with the ball after a tough start with the bat, restricting Worcestershire to 202. Essex debutant and Sri Lankan overseas signing Kasun Rajitha impressed with figures of 4/52 as Jamie Porter, Shane Snater, and Noah Thain each took two wickets as the Pears claimed a narrow 23-run lead heading into the third innings.
Essex posted a score of 317 in reply which was largely down to Paul Walter's third career first-class century as he scored 104 from 154 balls, with Thain showcasing an important and disciplined display of 54 from 143. Snater and Harmer also displayed qualities with the bat as they scored 48 and 33 respectively. Worcestershire were set a score of 295 to win the game.
Porter helped wrap up a somewhat nervy first County Championship victory of the season after taking his 22nd five-wicket haul of his career. The leading Division One wicket-taker last year, Porter finished with figures of 6 for 52 from 24.4 overs, despite a late rearguard effort from 23-year-old Worcestershire all-rounder Ethan Brookes, who played a scintillating knock of 88 from 105 balls, including seven sixes.
Chris Silverwood has named a 13-man squad for the trip down to Taunton.
Dean Elgar returns to the squad after his extended break and return to the country whilst Sam Cook rejoins after his rest period.
Somerset have found themselves at the wrong end of the Division One table after their first four Rothesay County Championship fixtures.
After drawing their opening match with Worcestershire, followed by a loss at Sussex and a draw at Hampshire, Somerset were defeated by Surrey at the Oval last weekend by 8 wickets.
These results leave them 9th in the table with 33 points as they head into the clash against the Eagles.
Tom Banton is the Taunton outfit’s leading run-scorer, and finds himself fifth in the entire division’s charts, with 411 runs from the first four matches. The wicket-keeper batter scored a a mammoth 371 against Worcestershire in the opening game.
Kasey Aldridge is Somerset's leading wicket-taker so far, taking 12 wickets from seven innings at an average of 32.08. The seamer's best figures also came against Worcestershire in the first round of the County Championship, taking 5/36.
Somerset squad: Lewis Gregory (c), Andy Umeed, Archie Vaughan, Tom Lammonby, Tom Abell, Tom Banton, James Rew, Kasey Aldridge, Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Migael Pretorius, Josh Davey, Jack Leach, Alfie Ogbourne, Shoaib Bashir.
Despite bowling Somerset out for 128 in their first innings on a green pitch to establish a 28-run lead, the Eagles fell to a narrow defeat in the West Country.
The hosts were skittled by five-wicket hauls from both halves of the Eagles’ deadly seam duo, Jamie Porter and Sam Cook, as 20 wickets fell on the opening day.
Essex then set Somerset a target of 167 for victory by the middle of the second afternoon, and despite Shane Snater claiming 4/55, the target was reached with the hosts seven down.
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
For anyone planning to join the Eagles in Taunton over the next four days, tickets can be purchased directly from Somerset’s website in advance of each day.
These are priced at £19 for adults, £9.50 for students, £8 for those aged 16-18, and £6 for juniors aged under 16, with seating unreserved at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Somerset also offer a ‘Member for the Day’ ticket, which grants access to members’ areas, priced at £24, while family tickets for two adults and two children can be purchased for £38 each.
Members’ areas are the James Hildreth Stand, the Lord Ian Botham Stand, the lower area of the Colin Atkinson Pavilion, and the elevated area of the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion.
All tickets are available to buy direct from the hosts’ website by clicking the link below. Please be mindful of selecting the correct day on which you would like to attend.
Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling 01823 425301.
Essex Women: Grace Scrivens (c), Jo Gardner, Cordelia Griffith, Jodi Grewcock, Flo Miller, Sophia Smale, Amara Carr (wk), Eva Gray, Esmae MacGregor, Kate Coppack, Abtaha Maqsood.
Somerset Women: Heather Knight, Emma Corney, Sophie Luff (c), Fran Wilson, Charlie Dean, Katie Jones (wk), Alex Griffiths, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Laura Jackson.
Umpires: Ian Blackwell and Julia Jarvis
Match Referee: Helen Pack
Scorers: KW Mitchell & Chris Drew
Toss: Somerset won the toss and elected to bowl
Result: Somerset won by 5 wickets
Scorecard: View here
Heather Knight staged an all-round performance to propel Somerset to a five-wicket victory over Essex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women's competition at Taunton Vale.
The England international claimed 3-7 with the ball and then added 45 crucial runs with the bat as Somerset registered a second win in three games and send a crowd of several hundred home happy.
Put into bat on a worn pitch, Essex slipped to 2-3 and 50-5 in the face of accurate seam bowling from Laura Jackson and Ellie Anderson, who took 2-12 and 2-44 respectively. Amara Carr redressed the balance with a defiant innings of 67 from 92 balls with 5 fours, only for Knight to mop up the tail with her off breaks as Essex were dismissed for 184 in 42.5 overs.
Knight, Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson all contributed useful runs to carry Somerset to within sight of their target before the Charlie Dean raised a quickfire 45 not out from 49 balls with 6 fours as Somerset won with 14.1 overs in hand.
Storm skipper Luff won the toss, inserted Essex and looked on as her seamers made the new ball sing. Essex slipped to 2-3 in the second over and after a loose shot, Jo Gardner hit Jackson straight to Dean at mid-wicket. Anderson had Cordelia Griffith held at slip and then bowled Jodi Grewcock next ball.
Under pressure to repair the damage, Essex captain Grace Scrivens led a partial recovery, straight-driving Anderson for an imperious four in adding 48 for the fourth wicket with Flo Miller. But England spinner Dean struck a crucial blow in the 13th over, Scrivens attempting a back-foot drive, finding Amanda-Jade Wellington at mid-off and departing for a 32-ball 27. Attempting an ill-advised pull shot against Jackson in the very next over, Miller holed out to Alex Griffiths in the deep as Essex subsided to 50-5.
Carr and Sophia Smale launched a cautious recovery of sorts, safely negotiating the spin of Wellington and Dean to add 41 for the sixth wicket. Somerset's bowlers continued to build pressure and Smale, having scored 10, played back to Wellington and inadvertently trod on her wicket. Luff marshalled her bowlers well and Griffiths struck in her first over, Eva Gray driving straight to Knight at silly mid-on and falling for 17, having helped add 37 with Carr.
While the determined Carr continued to hold sway, there was hope for Essex. The former Western Storm player went to 50 from 73 balls and led by example as she attempted to usher the lower order towards a competitive total. But former England captain Knight accounted for the tail in quick time with her off breaks, pinning Esmae Macgregor and Kate Coppack lbw before bowling the obdurate Carr to wrap-up the innings inside the distance.
Acutely aware of the need to make the new ball count, the visitors engineered an early breakthrough, Gray locating Emma Corney's outside edge and Smale taking a regulation catch in the slips with 33 on the board. Although scoring freely remained far from straightforward, Knight and Luff brought their considerable experience to bear upon the situation, staging a reassuring alliance of 38 for the second wicket before the latter nicked behind and succumbed to Abtaha Maqsood's spin for 24.
Knight had advanced her score to 45 from 41 balls, accrued 7 fours and was threatening to take the match by the scruff of the neck when she was caught behind off the bowling of Maqsood with the score on 96 in the 18th. Fran Wilson mustered the first six of the match at the expense of Maqsood before losing off stump to Grewcock and departing for 23, a dismissal that kept Essex in the hunt.
But the home side quickly regained control, Dean and Katie Jones playing positively to bring the required rate down and raise thoughts of a bonus point victory. Jones was eventually run out for 16, but Dean continued to score at a run a ball to hasten victory.
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
Jamal Richards has joined Kent on a two-week loan deal.
Richards, 21, will be eligible for selection for Kent's away fixture against Middlesex at Lord's this week, as well as their following match next week when they host Glamorgan in Canterbury.
The Spitfires currently sit third in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two table after an unbeaten start to the season, with two wins and one draw.
Right-arm seam bowler, Richards has played in one first-class match so far in his career, which came against Ireland during their visit to Chelmsford in 2023. Richards took 5 for 96 in the first innings.
Go well Jamal!
Essex Cricket are thrilled to announce the signing of Pakistan international bowler, Mohammad Amir, for the Vitality T20 Blast campaign.
Amir, 33, rejoins Essex having previously represented the Club between 2017 and 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the squad. With 71 wickets in 62 international T20 appearances at an average of 21.94, the left-arm seam bowler will strengthen the Eagles' bowling attack for the 2025 T20 Blast.
Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, worked with Mohammad Amir in 2017 and during his 21 matches for Essex, the bowler took a total of 24 wickets.
Although he didn’t feature in the knockout stages, Amir was part of the club’s historic double-winning squad in 2019, contributing 9 wickets in 5 appearances.
Throughout April, Amir has been representing the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, where he has taken 7 wickets in 6 matches.
On signing for the club, Mohammad Amir said: “I am very excited to join Essex once again.
"I have always enjoyed my time at this club where I feel at home and the love I received from the team and the amazing supporters was overwhelming.
"I look forward to contributing to the team and hopefully help the club achieve success this season."
Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, said this on the signing of Amir: “We are thrilled to welcome Mo back to Chelmsford and are very excited to see him in Essex colours again.
"I know the experience and skillset he brings having worked with him with here before.
"He will certainly strengthen what is an already strong squad for our T20 Blast campaign this season."
Amir will represent the Eagles throughout the entirety of the Vitality Blast, including the group stage, with the option to extend his stay should Essex progress to the knockouts.
Mohammad will wear the number 5 shirt and we all like to wish him well throughout the T20 Blast with us!
Follow our new signing on Instagram: @official.mamir
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
Essex Women lost to Warwickshire Women in a thriller of a game at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground in Chelmsford on Thursday. The team, led by Grace Scrivens, are looking to come back strong against the Somerset side, applying all the positive take-aways and learning from their defeat against Warwickshire.
Team Director, Andy Tennant, has selected a 15-player squad for away game, that features Eva Gray, Ambassador Cruise Line's Player of the Match, who took 5 wickets against the Warwickshire side.
In a post match interview, Andy remained optimistic as he looks ahead to facing Somerset; "We will reflect, we will come back stronger, we will be ready to go again"
Somerset is captained by former Western Storm skipper, Sophie Luff. Sophie is a right handed batter who made her debut in county cricket when she was 15, named as crickets most promising young player by the cricket society. Now aged 31, she comes with a great history of experience, skill and talent to lead her team.
The squad also includes England Internationals: Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson.
Player to watch: Amanda-Jade Wellington | Amanda-Jade Wellington. The Australian leg spinner is back and determined to improve upon last year's standout debut season in England. Capable of turning it both ways, she is difficult to score against and has a habit of taking crucial wickets. An adept finisher, she can also be a match winner with the bat.
Young gun: Katie Jones | Katie Jones. Long considered a precocious talent, the teenage wicketkeeper-batter is ready to realise her potential and establish herself as a regular in the senior side. Capable of scoring valuable mid-order runs, she helped England reach the ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup semi-finals in Malaysia last winter.
Final thought: Littered with international quality, a full-strength Somerset line-up would prove a match for all comers. That said, England call-ups will sap that strength and attaining the consistency of performance required to challenge will be dependent upon less experienced squad members stepping up to the plate. Youthful talent undoubtedly excites, but a lack of depth may hinder West Country prospects.
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
England-capped opening batter Lauren Winfield-Hill has joined Essex Cricket on loan from Yorkshire for the 2025 Vitality Blast.
Winfield-Hill, 34, has made over 100 appearances for her country across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, and has played a further 187 games in T20 cricket around the world, scoring almost 4,000 runs in the format.
Alongside her time with Yorkshire and Northern Diamonds, Winfield-Hill’s CV includes stints in The Hundred, the Big Bash League, and the Caribbean Premier League.
An ODI World Cup winner in 2017, she has 19 half-centuries in T20 cricket, with a top score of 98, made from just 56 balls in a 2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup match for the Diamonds against Western Storm.
Winfield-Hill is also a capable wicket-keeper, having assumed the role throughout her four seasons in The Hundred to date, and from that position has claimed 38 stumpings, as well as 24 of her 91 total catches in the format.
“Signing for Essex on loan this season makes perfect sense, and it’s an opportunity I’m really excited about," said Winfield-Hill.
“I want to keep testing myself by playing at the highest level possible, and this move means that I can do that in what is set to be a groundbreaking year for women’s cricket in England.
“I really feel like I can bring something to the group here at Essex, and I’m excited to play in a new environment at Chelmsford, too.”
Andy Tennant, Team Director of Essex Women, added: “We’re delighted to agree a deal for Lauren, who comes with great experience and run-scoring ability that she has showcased all over the world.
“When the chance to sign her became available, it was one that we worked really hard to complete, because we knew how much of a positive influence she is capable of bringing as a role model for our young and developing player group.
“The opportunity to add Lauren's experience and game sense is every bit as valuable as seeing her out in the middle scoring runs for Essex.”
Drop our new signing a follow on Instagram: @laurenwinfield58
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
Essex Cricket is pleased to announce that wicket-keeper, Simon Fernandes, has signed a rookie contract with the Club.
Fernandes, 24, began his journey as an Essex Pathway player at Under-14 level, eventually making his Second XI Championship debut against Hampshire in August 2021.
The 24-year-old was born in Colchester, where he plays his club cricket for Essex Premier League side Colchester & East Essex Cricket Club. Most recently, Fernandes competed in a Second XI fixture against Warwickshire at his home club ground, where he scored 119 runs from 168 balls.
Last season, Fernandes featured in eight Second XI matches, scoring a total of 436 runs at an average of 92*, and also played in eight T20 matches for the Second XI.
The wicket-keeper was introduced to first-class cricket this season as an injury replacement for Michael Pepper, who was taken off the field due to injury during Essex's victory over Worcestershire in round three of the Rothesay County Championship.
On signing the contract, Fernandes said: "I am absolutely thrilled to sign a rookie contract with Essex.
"I have been part of this Club one way or another since I was 8-years-old when I started in the age groups, so I am very proud to sign as a professional for the Club.
"I will always work hard and I look forward to contributing to winning games for Essex."
Academy Director & 2nd XI Head Coach, Barry Hyam said: "It's great to see Simon rewarded for the excellent performances he has put in over the past couple of seasons.
"He has shown great determination in taking his game to the next level.
"Simon is a valued addition to the squad adding depth to the batting and keeping departments, and brings a calm determination to the team."
Fernandes will wear the number 51 shirt and we all wish him the best for the season!
Drop him a follow on Instagram: @simonmlfernandes
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
Essex Women: Grace Scrivens (c), Jo Gardner, Cordelia Griffith, Jodi Grewcock, Flo Miller, Lissy Macleod, Sophia Smale, Amara Carr (wk), Eva Gray, Sophie Munro, Kate Coppack.
Warwickshire Women: Georgia Davis (c), Abbey Freeborn, Sterre Kalis, Davina Perrin, Nat Wraith, Chloe Brewer, Em Arlott, Charis Pavely, Issy Wong, Katie George, Hannah Baker.
Umpires: Rob White and James Tredwell
Match Referee: Jason Swift
Scorers: Helen Hyde & Connor Mulholland
Toss: Essex won the toss, elected to bowl
Result: Warwickshire won by 108 runs
Scorecard: View here
Emily Arlott’s, stunning maiden List A century, led a remarkable Warwickshire fightback as they recovered from 22 for five to beat Essex by 108 runs in their first win of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The 27 year old seamer delivered a career best 130 from 141 balls, anchoring two century stands, first with Chloe Brewer (44 from 75) and then Charis Pavely (31 from 40) to lift Warwickshire to 289 all out at Chelmsford.
Essex seamer, Eva Gray, was outstanding with the ball, returning career-best figures of 5 for 62, including a devastating burst of four wickets in ten balls that tore through Warwickshire’s top order. However, Essex’s total of 32 wides proved costly in an otherwise strong bowling effort.
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Essex looked dominant early. Sterre Kalis fell lbw to Kate Coppack, before Davina Perrin edged behind to a sharp diving catch from Amara Carr. Abbey Freeborn and Katie George were bowled by searing inswingers from Gray, and Nat Wraith was caught at slip as Warwickshire slumped.
Brewer began the recovery with composed stroke play through the off-side, but it was Arlott who led the charge, reaching her half-century with a punch over midwicket and pressing on confidently after Brewer’s dismissal. She and Pavely added another vital three figure stand, with Arlott dropped on 85 but remaining focused.
She soon punished Essex, hammering Sophia Smale, for three consecutive boundaries and launching a huge six over the leg side off Gray, as Warwickshire surged past 250. Arlott, eventually became Gray’s fifth victim, bowled attempting a paddle, but Issy Wong’s unbeaten 29 from just 14 balls, including 16 runs from the final over, ensured the Bears closed strongly.
In reply, Essex lost Jo Gardner early to Wong, but Grace Scrivens kept things moving with a bright 53 from 76 balls. Warwickshire's spinners then struck in quick succession: Scrivens edged Pavely behind, and Jodi Grewcock was bowled by Georgia Davis.
Cordelia Griffith battled bravely, hitting the only six of the innings in a fluent 72 from 76 balls, but partners continued to fall around her. Brewer took three key catches off George (3 for 38) and then cleaned up the tail herself, grabbing 3 for 18, including two wickets in three balls.
The Essex innings unraveled rapidly, with four wickets falling for just one run, and they were bowled out for 181 with 11 overs remaining.
Despite flashes of brilliance, particularly from Gray, Scrivens, and Griffith, Essex will rue the extras and missed chances that let Warwickshire escape from a perilous position and take full control.
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Our first home Vitality Blast T20 fixture features a double header - Essex Women v Somerset Women (12pm) & Essex Men v Somerset Men (4pm).
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
