LV= Insurance County Championship
The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Thursday 03 – Sunday 06 May
11am start
Essex play the penultimate LV= Insurance County Championship Group One match when entertaining Nottinghamshire at The Cloudfm County Ground starting on Thursday.
The home side will be seeking revenge for the defeat by an innings and 30 runs when the teams met at Trent Bridge at the start of May, but they go into this week’s clash sitting at the top of the Group One section with Nottinghamshire arriving in second position but with a match in hand.
Victory against Durham last week took Essex back to the top of the table and they will be looking for a win that would put distance between themselves and their closest pursuers in the bid to secure a top-two finish. That would guarantee them their place in Division One where they would have the opportunity later in the season to compete once again for the County Championship title.
Essex have played eight of their 10 matches in the group stage and have amassed 107 points, five more than Nottinghamshire and seven more than Warwickshire, both of whom have three matches left to play.
Worcestershire, who have also played eight matches are in fourth position with 94 points.
Squad:
Hear from McGrath:
Essex returned to winning ways when they beat Durham last week to record their third win of the campaign and second in three matches.
Head Coach Anthony McGrath praised the spirit of the side in the manner in which they achieved their success.
He said: “It was a very interesting game really because conditions changed so much from Day One. We would definitely have bowled had we won the toss but as I say, conditions really changed a lot.
“I think the overall way we played epitomises everything we have been over the past few years, showing character, skill and whenever we have been under pressure, we have found a way to win.
“I’m delighted for the boys because we’ve probably not been at our best this year but to get the win over Durham that takes us to the top of the table is a nice feeling.
“The last three games have shown what our bowling attack is all about. We have bowled as a unit and that’s been our success really. If one of them is not getting wickets, they are not going for runs.
“I felt before the game with Durham that we needed to win two of the three remaining games depending on other results, but our group is very tight. We try to win every game, of course, but going into what is a big game with Nottinghamshire, we’ll take the confidence and momentum from that victory over Durham.”
Injury/Absentees News:
Dan Lawrence will miss the clash with Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford having been named in the England squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series with New Zealand.
Opposition:
Nottinghamshire’s batsmen have recorded six centuries collectively so far this season. Two have been scored by opener Haseeb Hameed (who has accumulated 515 runs at an average of 46.81) and two by fellow opener Ben Slater (503 runs at an average of 45.72).
Joe Clarke has yet to post a three-figure contribution although he has made four half-centuries amongst his tally of 365 runs.
Luke Fletcher is enjoying a profitable campaign with the ball having bagged 36 victims thus far at an impressive average of 13.22. He has taken three 5-fers and one 10-fer amongst his prolific haul of victims. Dane Paterson offers chief support with 24 wickets at an average of 23.62.
Head-to-Head:
Despite a career-best 7/98 from Shane Snater, Essex crashed to an innings defeat when they met Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge a month ago. Nick Browne scored 53 but Dan Lawrence was the only other Essex batsman to reach double figures (14) when the visitors were undone by Luke Fletcher, who captured 6/24 in the Essex meagre effort of 99 all out.
Notts Captain Steven Mullaney showed the way with the bat posting 117 supported by a half-century from Lyndon James as the home side gained a first-innings lead of 224 runs. James then showed his all-round capabilities with 4/51 when Essex were bowled out for 194 with Browne again top-scorer. This time, the left-hander contributed 64 batting for more than four hours.
When the two teams last met at Chelmsford in the County Championship back in May 2019, Essex emerged winners by 8 wickets.
Nottinghamshire won the toss but were dismissed for a below-par 187 as Jamie Porter claimed 4/75. In reply, Essex posted 241 with Nick Browne scoring 67 whilst Luke Fletcher proved the pick of the visitors attack with 5/50.
Notts then struggled to contend with the wiles and guile of spinner Simon Harmer who took 6/60 in a total of 158 all out. Essex reached their target for the loss of 2 wickets with Tom Westley falling one run short of his half-century whilst Alastair Cook was unbeaten on 40 when the winning runs were scored.
In the 137 Championship clashes so far, Essex have won 37, there have been 66 draws and Notts have been victorious on 34 occasions.
Potential Milestones:
Adam Wheater requires 5 more victims to reach 150 first-class dismissals for Essex. He has currently claimed 133 catches and 12 stumpings.
Simon Harmer requires 11 more wickets to record 300 first-class wickets for Essex.
Ryan ten Doeschate requires a further 173 runs to record 10,000 first-class runs for Essex.
How To Watch:
Our Live Stream service will be available across all four days of this game from 11am, which also includes player stats, scorecards and clips throughout the day. Access via the Essex Cricket Matchzone is available here.
Essex Cricket are currently recruiting for a Head Chef position to service matchday and non-matchday duties at The Cloudfm County Ground.
We are pleased to have welcomed back Members, supporters and hospitality guests to The Cloudfm County Ground in the recent weeks and this position will continue to develop as we continue our plans to reopen for Conferencing & Events bookings in the coming months.
Candidates must have a minimum experience of five years in a Head Chef position to work within a newly formed Catering Department.
The salary for this full-time role is dependant on experience and will require flexible working, including matchdays and events on weekends and evenings.
Candidates must submit a CV and cover letter by email: [email protected].
This position will close once a suitable candidate has been appointed.
Essex 2nd XI: Will Buttleman (wk), Josh Rymell, Robin Das, Aron Nijjar (c), Jack Plom, Feroze Khushi, Jamal Richards, Aaron Beard, Ben Allison, Matt Quinn, Eshun Kalley.
Sussex 2nd XI: Edward Taylor, Danial Ibrahim, Harrison Ward, T Hinley, Ravi Bopara, David Wiese, Oli Carter (wk), Will Beer, Joe Pocklington (c), Archie Lenham, Joe Sarro.
Match Details:
Umpires: MJ Saggers and S Shanmugam Toss: Essex Second XI won and elected to bowl first Result: Sussex won by 18 runs
Essex Second XI: 142-7 (20.0 overs)
Sussex Second XI: 160-9 (20.0 overs)
A sunny Garon Park played host once again for the third Second XI T20 match inside four days as Essex took on Sussex.
The Sussex Second XI included former Essex favourite, Ravi Bopara amongst their ranks for what proved to be a competitive Second XI T20.
Bopara reached 21 off 18 balls before he was caught by Aaron Beard, having hooked Kalley to long leg. Nevertheless, it was David Wiese who starred with the bat for the visitors.
Wiese’s 46 minutes at the crease gleaned 58 off 37 deliveries with the South African eventually falling to a spectacular one-handed catch from Beard to provide Jack Plom with one of his 3/38. Sussex posted 160-9 from their 20 overs with Matt Quinn also amongst the wickets with 2/27 after returning from his loan spell with Kent to feature.
An impressive 67 off 49 from wicketkeeper/batsman, Will Buttleman was the highlight of the Essex chase. The 20-year-old hit nine boundaries and one 6 during his 73-minute stint in the middle.
Feroze Khushi was also amongst the runs, scoring 30. However, he along with Buttleman made up half of Bopara’s 4/14 off three overs as Sussex kept the hosts at arm’s length to secure an 18-run victory.
Essex Second XI’s next fixture is another T20 clash on Wednesday 2 June where Surrey are the hosts at New Malden.
Essex 2nd XI: Will Buttleman (wk), Feroze Khushi, Robin Das, Aron Nijjar (c), Jack Plom, Marcus Critchley, Jamal Richards, Aaron Beard, Joe MacGregor, Ben Allison, Matt Quinn.
Kent 2nd XI: Daniel Bell-Drummond (c), Joe Denly, Ollie Robinson (wk), Jordan Cox, Alex Blake, Jack Leaning, Darren Stevens, Grant Stewart, Michael O’Riordan, Matt Milnes, Fred Klaassen.
Match Details:
Umpires: RA White and RG Eagleton Toss: Kent 2nd XI won and elected to bowl first Result: Kent 2nd XI won by 8 wickets
Brighter weather conditions and a strong Kent side were a welcome sight by the seaside as Essex’s second string were put to the test in back-to-back T20 encounters at Garon Park, Southend.
Indeed, with nothing in the way of a Championship fixture, it was the visitors’ strongest available squad that crossed the river to glean valuable match practice against a competitive Essex line-up.
The first fixture, a friendly, saw Jack Plom top-score for the home side, contributing 28 of 18 balls as Essex posted 124/9.
Jamal Richards chipped in with 20 with Kent using seven bowlers. One of which was England international, Joe Denly who took two wickets, along with Darren Stevens, Matt Milnes and Fred Klaassen.
Plom claimed the notable scalp of Denly off the fourth ball of the third over as Essex looked to make inroads. However, 40 off 20 deliveries from skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond provided Kent with a firm platform for victory.
Ollie Robinson’s half-century came off 26 balls, while Jordan Cox was alongside him in the middle on 27 as Kent secured an eight-wicket victory inside 12 overs – Marcus Critchley (1/14) and Plom (1/29) the only successes with the ball for Essex.
Match Two:
Team News:
Essex 2nd XI: Will Buttleman (wk), Feroze Khushi, Robin Das, Aron Nijjar (c), Jack Plom, Marcus Critchley, Jamal Richards, Aaron Beard, Ben Allison, Matt Quinn, Eshun Kalley.
Kent 2nd XI: Daniel Bell-Drummond (c), Tawanda Muyeye, Jack Leaning, Alex Blake, Jordan Cox (wk), Darren Stevens, Michael O’Riordan, Fred Klaassen, Harry Podmore, Nathan Gilchrist, Hamidullah Qadri.
Match Details:
Umpires: RA White and RG Eagleton Toss: Uncontested – Kent 2nd XI batted first Result: Kent 2nd XI won by 9 runs
The teams resumed, this time in Second XI T20 South Group action for what proved to be an altogether closer affair.
Invited to bat, Kent began at a furious pace. Indeed, Essex, with a vastly inexperienced team in comparison, did well to restrict the visitors to 186-7.
Kent’s Tawanda Muyeye rattled 42 off 25 deliveries before becoming one of Aaron Beard’s two victims. Meanwhile, Alex Blake (32), Bell-Drummond (28) and Jack Leaning (26) were also amongst the runs as Aron Nijjar took 2/21. Aaron Beard was also amongst the wickets taking 2/46 as the Essex attack stuck to their task manfully.
In response, Will Buttleman and Feroze Khushi put on 69 for the opening wicket – the former first to depart after being snaffled in the gloves of Jordan Cox off a ball from Hamidullah Qadri.
Khushi stuck around to reach 65 as Essex impressively made a fist of it. But the target was always going to be a tall order. Jamal Richards scored 18, while Ben Allison and Eshun Kalley put together an unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership of 33 before the host ran out of road – Leaning with 4/16 as Kent won by nine runs.
LV= Insurance County Championship
Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street
Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 May
11am start
Essex trek to the North East as they continue their LV= Insurance County Championship campaign with a visit to Chester-le-Street where they meet Durham starting on Thursday.
When the two teams met at Chelmsford earlier in the season, Essex were dismissed for 96 in their first innings before their opponents gained a lead of 163 runs, but in the second innings, Dan Lawrence, Paul Walter and Ben Allison all contributed half-centuries. Left with a total of 168 for victory, Durham succumbed to the wiles of spinner Simon Harmer who bagged his second 5-wicket haul of the match to lead his side to a 44-run victory.
Essex will be keen to secure their third win of the season in the four-day competition in order to enhance their prospects of finishing in the top-two and winning a place in Division One later in the season to compete once again for the County Championship title.
At present, they have played seven of their 10 matches in the group stage and sit in second place with 88 points, nine fewer than Nottinghamshire who have played one match fewer. Durham sit in third place, just three points adrift of Essex and also with a match in hand.
Squad:
Hear from Nel:
With the weather badly affecting their last match, Essex will be keeping their fingers crossed that the elements do not intervene with the clash with Durham.
With just two victories from their seven matches so far, the visitors are hoping to complete the double over Durham.
Bowling coach Andre Nel was delighted with the County’s bowling attack last week in the match against Warwickshire.
He said: “I was really happy with the way we bowled and I think that is the best that we’ve bowled as a unit this season.
“In past games, one of our bowlers might have been a bit off whilst others were on fire but to see us bowl really well as a complete unit against Warwickshire is a real good positive to take to Durham and we look forward to playing some decent cricket up there.
“It was unfortunate that the rain played such a key part against Warwickshire but there are still plenty of positives to take out the game and some bonus points.”
Injury/Absentees News:
Dan Lawrence will miss both this match and the clash with Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford next week having been named in the England squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series with New Zealand.
Opposition:
Members of the Durham’s pace attack are enjoying a fruitful time at present. New ball bowler Chris Rushworth recently became Durham’s all-time leading first-class wicket-taker when he claimed his 528th victim to move ahead of Graham Onions.
Rushworth has now taken 32 wickets at 14.84 this season whilst fellow paceman Brydon Carse has 25 victims to his credit.
Aussie Cameron Bancroft has recently teamed up once more with Durham and he figures in a batting group that includes David Bedingham, who heads their averages with 624 runs at 78, which includes two centuries and two fifties.
Ned Eckersley passed 7,000 first-class runs during the recent match with Derbyshire whilst skipper Scott Borthwick has already made his mark on the Essex attack having taken 100 off them in the game at Chelmsford earlier this term.
One to Watch:
Australian international Cameron Bancroft is now back with Durham following a successful season for Western Australia and Perth Scorchers.
He was with the North East County in 2019 and played nine County Championship matches and topped their batting averages with 726 runs at an average of 45.37.
Head-to-Head:
When the two teams met in County Championship at Chelmsford in mid-April, Essex staged a wonderful come-back to win the match by 44 runs.
That seemed an unlikely prospect after they were shot out for 96 (Dan Lawrence contributed 32) before Durham claimed a first-innings advantage of 163 runs.
In their second trip to the middle, Essex lost 6 wickets for 180 (Lawrence 76) but were galvanised by Paul Walter who scored a first-class career-best 77 and figured in a 58 run stand for the eighth wicket with rookie Ben Allison.
Then Sam Cook joined Allison to add 53 for the ninth wicket. Allison hit a maiden first-class half-century whilst Cook equalled his best score of 37 in Championship cricket.
Spin specialist Simon Harmer then took over as he weaved his way to figures of 5 for 57 (10/136 in the match) as Durham were dismissed for 123.
The last time that Essex contested a County Championship fixture at Chester-le-Street was in April 2010 when the match was drawn.
Jaik Mickleburgh scored 174 and James Foster 169, with the pair putting on 339 for the fourth wicket. Chris Wright, Ryan ten Doeschate and Tim Phillips each claimed 3 wickets as Durham were dismissed for 198 but following on, they had reached 352-7 (Phillips 4/113) when the Captains shook hands on the draw.
In the 17 Championship clashes so far, Essex have won nine times, Durham have secured victory three times whilst there have also been five draws.
Potential Milestones:
Nick Browne requires 23 more runs to reach 6,000 first-class runs for Essex.
Adam Wheater requires 2 runs to reach 3,000 first-class runs for Essex.
Jamie Porter requires 3 more wickets to record 350 first-class wickets for Essex.
Adam Wheater requires 7 more victims to reach 150 first-class dismissals for Essex. He has currently claimed 131 catches and 12 stumpings.
Simon Harmer requires 11 more wickets to record 300 first-class wickets for Essex.
How To Watch:
Our Live Stream service will be available across all four days of this game from 11am, which also includes player stats, scorecards and clips throughout the day. Access via the Essex Cricket Matchzone is available here.
For broadcast purposes, the third Vitality IT20 between England Women and India Women at The Cloudfm County Ground will now be played on Wednesday 14 July, with play starting at 6:30pm.
Tickets previously purchased for the original date will still be valid for use on 14 July.
Alternatively, ticket holders who are unable to make the rearranged date and would like to request a refund can get in contact with the Club’s Membership & Ticketing Office by phone on 01245 254010 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm) or by email via [email protected].
There is a host of women’s cricket on show at The Cloudfm County Ground this season including two England Women fixtures and the return of the Sunrisers. Tickets are on general sale now for all games!
Essex Cricket are recruiting for a Commercial Coordinator to join the Commercial team to help prepare and administrate for the forthcoming matches. This position is a perfect opportunity to experience matchday and non-matchday operations at a professional sports club.
The successful candidate will have strong administrational skills and team ethic.
They will also be required to have good time management skills, communication, be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and experience of Microsoft Office.
They will also ideally have experience in catering/hospitality and events, sales administration and working with CRM/Events Management systems.
This position will require flexible working, including weekends and evenings.
Candidates must submit a CV and cover letter by Friday 4 June (or until the role is filled) by email: [email protected].
Blackstone Academy Ground, Hove, Monday 19 – Thursday 22 April
Team News:
Essex 2nd XI: Michael Pepper(c) (wk), Will Buttleman, Feroze Khushi, Varun Chopra, Josh Rymell, Robin Das, Aron Nijjar, Ben Allison, Jack Plom, Aaron Beard, Harry Phillips, Naivedyam Dwivedi.
Sussex 2nd XI: Ali Orr, Harrison Ward, Oli Carter (WK), Luke Bartier, Marcus Campopiano, Joe Pocklington (Capt), Joe Sarro, Archie Lenham, Danial Ibrahim, Edward Taylor, Henry Crocombe, Jamie Atkins.
Match Details:
Umpires: Mark Newell & Paul Witney Toss: Essex 2nd XI won and elected to bat first Result: Match Drawn
Varun Chopra’s double-century proved to be the highlight of Essex’s weather-affected trip to the south coast against Sussex.
Chopra amassed 211 off 281 balls during his 367 minutes at the crease. The 33-year-old right-hander hit 26 boundaries and four 6s during another eye-catching knock.
Josh Rymell also provided one of the standout performances in the match after hitting his maiden Second XI Championship ton, with 103 off 162 deliveries. Michael Pepper chipping in with 89 before the declaration came on 477-6 – Jamie Atkins with 3/100 the pick of the hosts’ beleaguered attack.
Ben Allison took 4/35 from 18 overs, while Aron Nijjar contributed with 3/51 as Essex made short work of the Sussex batting order. Sussex opener Ali Orr offered notable resistance, hitting 80 off 159 balls before becoming a victim of Nijjar.
Following on, Sussex had reached 146-3 when the blustery, wet weather frustratingly intervened again. Orr was unbeaten on 70, while Aaron Beard had claimed 2/15 for the visitors.
Essex Second XI are next in action on Thursday 27 May against Kent in a behind closed doors T20 double header at Garon Park, Southend.
The Cloudfm County Ground, Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 May
Team News:
Essex: Nick Browne, Alastair Cook, Tom Westley (c), Dan Lawrence, Paul Walter, Ryan ten Doeschate, Adam Wheater (wk), Simon Harmer, Peter Siddle, Sam Cook, Jamie Porter.
Warwickshire: Dominic Sibley, Will Rhodes (c), Rob Yates, Pieter Malan, Sam Hain, Michael Burgess (wk), Tim Bresnan, Olly Stone, Danny Briggs, Liam Norwell, Oliver Hannon-Dalby
Match Details:
Umpires: Ben Debenham & Ian Gould Toss: Warwickshire won and elected to bat first Result: Match Drawn
Day Four Match Highlights: Coming Soon
Day Four Reaction: Andre Nel
Day Four Match Report:
THE LV= Insurance County Championship clash between Essex and Warwickshire ended in a draw after yet another rain-ruined day.
Only 22.5 overs were possible on the final day and in the match overall, 219 overs were lost to scupper hopes of a positive conclusion to the match after Essex had gained a first-innings lead of 51 runs.
Play did get underway on time on day four and the deficit was wiped out when nightwatchman Danny Briggs steered a ball from Peter Siddle to the fine leg boundary ropes to post an unbroken 81 balls first wicket stand.
Briggs and Will Rhodes had advanced the total onto 63 without being separated when rain brought proceedings to a halt after an hour and a quarter’s play.
The next sighting of the players came after lunch had been taken and with the fourth ball of the afternoon session, Sam Cook claimed his 25th wicket of the campaign when Briggs, who had scored 37, was caught at cover by Dan Lawrence.
But after another 13 deliveries and with the total 66 for 1, rain swept across the Chelmsford venue sending the players and umpires scurrying for cover.
Rhodes, captain of the Bears who played 4 matches on-loan for Essex back in 2016, had reached 21, Dom Sibley was 2 not out and Cook had taken 1 for 7 from 8.5 overs.
From thereon, a series of showers prevented any further play and an early tea was taken but at 4:30pm, umpires Ben Debenham and Ian Gould decided there was no chance of any further play.
For the first time in 48 matches since he joined the county, Simon Harmer failed to take a wicket in a match although, because of the adverse weather, he was only able to send down 18 overs.
Essex took 12 points from the match and Warwickshire 11 and Tom Westley’s men now head north for their next Group One Championship match which begins on Thursday against Durham at Chester-le-Street.
Day Three Match Highlights:
Day Three Reaction: Ryan ten Doeschate
Day Three Match Report:
Half-centuries from Alastair Cook and Ryan ten Doeschate enabled Essex to gain a slender advantage over Warwickshire on the third day of the LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Warwickshire at The Cloudfm County Ground.
Cook made a polished 57 while ten Doeschate contributed 56 as the County Champions totalled 217 all out to gain a lead of 51 runs. Warwickshire were left to face one over at the end of the day which nightwatchman, Danny Briggs successfully negotiated from Sam Cook.
On a pitch that offered the bowlers some encouragement; Cook always looked in control as he punctuated his innings with eight boundaries and it came a surprise when he was dismissed.
He departed from the scene when he chased a wide delivery from Will Rhodes and edged a catch to Rob Yates in the gully. Cook’s dismissal left Essex 100 for 4 and Rhodes was to pick up two more wickets in quick succession as Essex slipped to 125 for 6.
Paul Walter was trapped lbw for 22 and then Adam Wheater skied a return catch off a mistimed pull whilst still looking to get off the mark.
That left ten Doeschate to shoulder the main responsibility if Essex were to gain the upper hand and the 40-year-old rose comfortably to the challenge. His discipline and concentration never wavered as he ushered the home side into the lead having received valuable support from Simon Harmer.
The latter faced 20 deliveries before getting off the mark and a further 27 to move into double figures which he achieved with a boundary when facing Liam Norwell. But his innings boasting sound defence and a number of well-timed pleasing drives was to bring valuable runs and give Essex the advantage.
Ryan ten Doeschate was to reach his 50 with his seventh boundary and it was also the second time this team had posted a half-century, the previous occasion having been achieved when the teams met at Edgbaston.
Having reached the milestone in what was his 200th first-class match, ten Doeschate was caught behind soon afterwards when he gloved Norwell to give wicket-keeper Michael Burgess his third catch of the innings.
The former Essex skipper departed with Essex still 31 runs short of a batting point with three wickets intact. Peter Siddle scored 2 before they moved 11 runs closer to the 200 runs figure and it was the arrival at the crease of Sam Cook to join the vigilant and effective Harmer saw the target reached.
They had studiously added 23 runs in 15 overs when Cook was yorked by spinner Danny Briggs Harmer ended unbeaten on 40 having batted for 155 minutes during which time he faced 114 deliveries.
Essex had resumed the day on 16 for 1 and Tom Westley soon became a victim of Oliver Hannon-Dalby when caught by Burgess for 8. Dan Lawrence was yorked for 14 by Norwell ending a partnership worth 48 with Cook.
After only 61 balls were possible on day two, there was a further loss of 25 overs due to bad light and there was one bizarre incident when umpires Ian Gould and Ben Debenham brought the players back onto the field shortly before 1pm after a break for bad light only to take them off the field before play could resume.
Lunch was taken and play got underway again at 2:35pm.
With the wicket still maintaining its assistance for the bowlers, an intriguing day is in prospect tomorrow.
Day Two Match Highlights:
Day Two Match Report:
Only 61 balls were possible at The Cloudfm County Ground but it was sufficient for Peter Siddle to return his best bowling figures for Essex.
The Australian pace bowler took 6 for 38 as Warwickshire were bowled out for 166. Essex then lost Nick Browne as they reached 16-1 before the rain, which started at 12.15 pm, washed out play for the remainder of the day.
Warwickshire lost their remaining three overnight wickets, two to Siddle, whilst adding seven runs.
Tim Bresnan completed his half-century from 102 balls that included four boundaries but he was the final wicket to fall, caught at first slip by Alastair Cook off namesake Sam to give the bowler figures of 3 for 48.
The final three Warwickshire wickets fell in 16 balls and all with the total on 166.
Because of earlier rain, play was delayed by 15 minutes but Bresnan soon added the three runs needed to reach his fifty before Siddle struck in successive deliveries.
He had Danny Briggs caught by Paul Walter at point and immediately accounted for Liam Norwell who had his off stump removed as the Group One leaders claimed their third bowling point. That wicket also gave Siddle his sixth 5-fer for the County, with his last for Essex also coming against Warwickshire in 2019.
Although last man Oliver Hannon-Dalby avoided the hat-trick, Cook produced a beautiful delivery to Bresnan that wrapped up the innings.
The weather dictated that Essex would only receive 7.3 overs on the day but there was time for Alastair Cook to execute a wonderful cover drive that raced to the boundary.
However, the home side lost a wicket when Browne, having scored four of the nine runs on the board, nicked a Norwell delivery behind the wicket.
The weather though was closing in. The bails were replaced by heavier versions as the gale-force winds made their presence felt and after an hour’s play, rain arrived to ultimately end play for the day.
Cook will resume on 11 and Tom Westley is 1 not out.
Day One Match Highlights:
Day One Reaction: Peter Siddle
Day One Match Report:
Peter Siddle had a day to remember at The Cloudfm County Ground where Warwickshire reached 159 for 7 at the close of a truncated day of cricket.
The 36-year-old was in scintillating form for the Group One leaders in grey and windswept conditions. He returned figures of 4 for 36 accounting for Will Rhodes, Rob Yates, Sam Hain and Michael Burgess before rain swept down on Chelmsford during the tea interval. There was a resumption at 6:26pm but only 16 further deliveries were sent down before bad light brought an end to proceedings.
During the lunch interval, the Australian quick bowler had been awarded his County Cap during the land was also presented with his 2019 County Championship winner’s medal. Siddle had made a significant contribution to the side taking 34 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.08.
For the first time in two seasons because of Covid-19 restrictions, spectators had been permitted to attend The Cloudfm County Ground. The Members that were successful in the ballot saw Warwickshire reach 22 before Peter Siddle struck with two wickets in 9 balls in his first spell of the day.
Skipper, Will Rhodes had batted for three-quarters of an hour for 10 when he edged Siddle’s third delivery to Nick Browne in the gully. It was the bowler’s first wicket at Chelmsford since 2019 and in his last appearance on the ground when coincidentally the opposition was Warwickshire.
In his next over, Siddle uprooted the middle stump of Rob Yates who had made a match-winning unbeaten century when the teams met at Edgbaston earlier in the season. This time around, Yates was still seeking to get off the mark when he was castled.
Before lunch, the Group One leaders were celebrating another wicket and their first bonus point of the match, when Pieter Malan was caught low down at third slip by Tom Westley for 10 off the bowling of Jamie Porter.
It was a deserved wicket for Porter who, together with his new ball partner Sam Cook, had passed the bat on numerous occasions with finding the edge.
The Bears went into the break on 55 for 3 with opener Dom Sibley 28 not out and proving his well-being in his comeback game following a fractured finger.
He lost partner Sam Hain in Siddle’s first over after the resumption when the batsman, who had just got off the mark, stepped across the line to be adjudged lbw.
Sibley though was the epitome of patience and watchfulness and had batted a little over 2 and a half hours to post 43, including 7 runs from one stroke that included 4 overthrows, when Cook was rewarded for his efforts.
Bowling from the River End, he found the edge of the England man’s bat and Simon Harmer took the catch at second slip to reduce the visitors to 76 for 5.
Michael Burgess and Tim Bresnan set about the task of rebuilding the innings and gradually nurtured a revival by adding 56 for the sixth wicket in 23 overs.
Burgess was grateful for a ‘life’ with his score on 17 and the total on 92 when he edged Porter to second slip but Harmer was unable to hold on to the sharp chance.
It was Siddle who ended the partnership. Burgess had advanced to 35 out of 132 when he opted, fatally, to shoulder arms and had his off-stump knocked back with the bowler able to boast figures of 4 for 27.
Olly Stone came and went quickly, superbly caught one-handed by Harmer for 4 to give Cook a second wicket and leave the scoreboard showing 150 for 7 at Tea.
Former England Tim Bresnan though batted resolutely. The 36-year-old stood firm and played responsibly and was just three runs short of his half-century when the weather finally closed in.
Essex made one change from the side that beat Derbyshire in the previous match with Peter Siddle taking over from Shane Snater.
Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to confirm that Overseas fast bowler, Peter Siddle, has been presented with his Essex Cap on Day One of the LV= Insurance County Championship match versus Warwickshire.
The Australian quick received his Cap during the Lunch interval surrounded by his teammates and in front of a Hayes Close End crowd which featured Essex Cricket Members for the first time since September 2019 when Surrey were beaten by an innings and 40 runs at Chelmsford.
Siddle was due to play for Essex Eagles during the 2012 T20 campaign but injury prevented the Victorian from competing and his contract cancelled. The Aussie quick would eventually make his debut for Essex six years later when he featured for the County as the Overseas player in the second half of the 2018 season, taking over the reins from Neil Wagner.
After returning to the Chelmsford outfit in 2019, Siddle made a significant contribution to the red-ball side which saw Essex lift a second County Championship title in three years, when he took 34 wickets in eight matches at an average 20.08.
His performances for Essex caught the eye of the Australian selectors and Siddle was duly called up for the Ashes Series of 2019 which meant the Victorian would miss the drama of a final day battle in Taunton. Siddle’s contribution to the Championship success did not go unrecognised and was recorded in the history books with a life-size cardboard cutout in his absence.
Shortly after receiving his Cap, Siddle spoke of his surprise of the award: “Receiving my Cap is amazing, I love playing for the Club.”
“I know I am getting towards the back end of my career, but to be able to play with a great group of guys and have success on the field, that is what it is all about. That’s why I continue to play.
“Some of the guys have become very close mates.”
WATCH: PETER SIDDLE AWARDED COUNTY CAP
Siddle returned to the Club in 2021 after his contract was deferred for a year in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Siddle remains an important component of the side and an influential and supportive presence in the dressing room. He will wear cap number 164.
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