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Essex follow a win in the last outing against Middlesex with an opportunity to make it two in two against Glamorgan on Friday evening.

The Vitality Blast match will be played in front of a packed home crowd under the lights at The Cloud County Ground.

New to The Cloud County Ground for 2024 is the 152 Bar, located in the Essex Fanzone, a Sensory and Family Room which is located at the Sir Alastair Cook end of the ground and Fab Little Bag dispensers will be in place in female and unisex toilets for easy and responsible disposal of sanitary products.

There are fewer than 50 allocated seats available for this fixture which cost just £10 for Juniors and from £35 for Adults.

Gates Opening Times:

Gates will open at 5pm and spectators can enter the ground at the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, located via Sky Blue Pastures. This is the closest entrance to Chelmsford City Centre and the Bus and Train stations.

Spectators are advised to arrive early to allow ample time to enter the ground and locate your seat. Bag checks will be in operation on entry to the ground and security will be present throughout the fixture.

Matchday Timings:

Gates Open: 5pm
Toss: 6:30pm
First Innings: 7pm – 8:15pm
Interval: 8:15pm – 8:30pm
Second Innings: 8:30pm – 9:45pm

Matchday Guide:

In-Ground Entertainment:

• New for 2024 is the Essex Fanzone, where supporters can purchases drinks, enjoy the beer garden and see live our live DJ during the build-up to the match.

• Look out for Eddie and Ellie the Eagles who will on the concourse from 5pm with an opportunity for selfies!

• Pick up your 4/6 cards on the gates when you arrive, plus your Blast glasses, t-shirts and activity books for our young Eagles fans.

• Thanks to our Principal Partners Woodland Group, junior fans will have the chance to win a T20 replica shirt and be our Young Eagle of the Match.

Matchday Purchases:

The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, which includes all food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas. The Essex Cricket Store is located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion and is the only location which accepts both card and cash payments.

Accessibility:

Accessible parking:
Due to increased demand on parking spaces, there are a very limited number of spaces located at The Cloud County Ground on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with accessibility requirements are recommended, where possible, to take advantage of our drop off system where cars can drop passengers with accessibility requirements and their companions as close to the gate as possible.

Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand and in Block 1 of the Tom Pearce Stand Lower for this game.

Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge and must be arranged in advance. This is upon the presentation in the Membership & Ticketing Office or on the gate with proof of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people under 16 years old.

We can also accept a Blue Badge and Access card.

Accessible Toilets:
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located behind the main scoreboard (Red Area), rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion (Blue Area) and adjacent to Block 25 at County Corner (Green Area).

New toilets are open for all spectators by Block 31, which includes wheelchair accessible cubicles. A Changing Places facility are also available by the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre

Ahead of Your Visit:

In the event of adverse weather conditions on the day of the match, please keep up to date with the prospects of play via the Club’s Twitter and Facebook channels.

Please note that the Prospect of Play phone line is no longer in use and all updates will be available online.

Travel:

Parking:
• Spectators travelling by car will need to locate a public car park in the proximity of the ground as there is no parking available on-site at The Cloud County Ground.

• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be extending it’s opening times until 11pm.

• Essex Members are able to pre-book parking at Meteor Way car park for £2. It is essential to pre-book online as spaces on the day cannot be guaranteed. Book your parking space here.

Public Transport:
• Chelmsford Bus Station is situated on Duke Street, next to Chelmsford Train Station, with connections to all over the County. Alternatively, bus numbers 13, 46 and C1 shuttles, stop on New London Road, which is approximately a two-minute walk to the Ground, via New Writtle Street.

• Chelmsford Railway Station is operated by Greater Anglia and is an approximate 10-minute walk from The Cloud County Ground. Regular direct train services depart from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.

Ground Entry:

Spectators are able to enter the ground via the Main Gate located on New Writtle Street or through the Tees River Gate. Please enter through the gate nearest your seat location.

Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid ticket. This area accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.

General Public Seating:

• Supporters who have purchased tickets can enter the ground by scanning the QR on your tickets that has been sent to you via email following your purchase. If you choose to print out your ticket, please ensure that the match details (including name and seat details) are included as per the image below. Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone or printed out so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your QR code as that will not be read by the scanners.

• The Eagles Area will be in use throughout the Vitality Blast. Seating in the Eagles Area is unallocated and on a first-come-first-served basis. You will not be able to enter the Eagles Area if you have bought an allocated ticket. There is also a section of unallocated seating in Block 26a.

• In the event of rain forecast on the day of the match, spectators can bring a small umbrella into the ground but metal spiked umbrellas are not permitted.

• Please note, Blocks 27, 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in those Blocks you will not be permitted to take an alcoholic beverage to your seat.

Around the Ground:

• Spectators are not permitted to enter the field of play during a T20 match.

• Spectators are permitted to move behind the Doug Insole Pavilion but please respect the players’ area and walkway.

• The Club Store and Membership & Ticketing Office will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.

• If you experience any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour during your visit to The Cloud County Ground then, please contact your nearest steward. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or text ‘RESPECT’ including your stand and issue to 60066.

• Public Wi-Fi is available at The Cloud County Ground for every matchday giving you the opportunity to share photos and videos of your Eagles experience. Simply logon to ‘EC-Public’ from your seat to access.

• Fab Little Bag dispensers are located in all female and unisex toilets to allow an easy, discreet and environmentally friendly disposal of sanitary products.

• The Club have installed a faith and reflection room. This is available to spectators throughout the duration of the match and is located within the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre.

• There is a sensory and family room situated near the Tees River Gate. Should you need to use it, please contact your nearest steward.

• There is a medics facility located opposite the Main Entrance. If you require medical attention please make your way there or contact your nearest steward.

Food & Drink:

• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store where Anne’s Pantry will be offering a variety of food, including gourmet burgers, bratwurst and hog roast.

• The Greedy Vegan food van will be at the ground, serving a wide variety of vegan meals including loaded fries, vegan hot dogs and mac and cheese.

• Tinto Cafe’s coffee station will be serving coffee, sandwiches and paninis located in the concourse behind Block 31.

• Enjoy a range of spirits and cocktails at the Gin & Fizz bar by the Essex Fanzone.

• The Level Head Bar returns for 2024 in the Essex Fanzone and is the perfect space to relax with a drink in the beer garden and soak in the atmosphere.

• A new addition for this year is the 152 Bar. Theo’s is located in the Essex Fanzone celebrating the heroics of Graham Napier’s world record innings and the most memorable T20 innings ever played at Chelmsford.

• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members with valid tickets through its doors and serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks from the bar. A choice of snacks will also be available to purchase.

• Anne’s Pantry will be offering a choice of h curries and other hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located at the Graham Gooch and Sir Alastair Cook ends as well as in the Food Court.

They will be serving a range of meals suitable for all dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as children’s portions.

• Other refreshment kiosks include bar areas located at either end of the ground in County Corner and Spinner’s Bar.

• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground for Vitality Blast fixtures. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed providing there is no glass or sharp objects, including cutlery.

• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.

Leaving the Ground:

During T20 fixtures, spectators are not allowed to reenter the ground after leaving.

At the conclusion of the game, we ask that spectators leave the ground in a safe and patient manner. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you safely out of the ground.

We hope you have an enjoyable visit to The Cloud County Ground and further information regarding the match, including squad announcements and a full match preview will be available on essexcricket.org.uk ahead of the match.

Get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions at [email protected] or via the Club’s official Twitter and Facebook channels.

Watch to watch the action

Fans can watch a live stream of the action via the Essex Cricket Matchzone where replays and statistics will also be available.

Commentary on the game will be provided by BBC Essex radio and can be accessed via the live stream or the BBC website.

The 2024 edition of the Vitality Blast might only be seven days old, but it has already treated us to the twists and turns that have made it such a well-loved competition over the years.

In particular, the South Group has again proven itself to be fiercely competitive, and the first of a series of weekly round-ups around the grounds finds seven of the nine teams locked on equal points.

THE STATE OF PLAY

Surrey currently lead the way at the summit as the only side to win all of their games so far, with the Brown Caps sitting on six points, four clear of Kent Spitfires.

For their part, it is the Canterbury outfit’s vastly superior run rate, obtained from a crushing win over Middlesex in their opening game, that separates them from the other members of the two-point pack.

That group, which, in addition to the Spitfires, includes Essex among five other teams, is entirely split by net run rate, with Gloucestershire and Glamorgan making up the remainder of the top four.

The other sides, Hampshire Hawks, Sussex Sharks, and Somerset, alongside the Eagles, all have negative net run rate, but none are in as sticky a situation as basement side Middlesex.

After a humbling campaign last year that saw them lose their first ten straight games, the Seaxes are the only South Group side yet to record a win in 2024.

THE BIG-HITTING BATTERS

Essex’s very own Michael Pepper is the only batter in the 2024 competition so far to record a century, with the Harlow-born man’s first Essex ton being blazed off 44 balls against Middlesex.

The Eagles are showing their batting prowess by having Dean Elgar and Jordan Cox in the top five South Group run-scorers with 110 and 100 respectively, as well as Pepper’s total of 108.

However, it is Surrey’s Jamie Smith who leads the way overall having amassed 193, which have been scored at an average of 64.33 and a strike rate of 207.52.

Smith already has two fifties from his three innings so far, and is top of the six-hitting charts with 17, clear of Cox and Pepper, who both have six maximums.

Pepper’s century is, naturally, the highest score of the week, beating out Max Holden’s unbeaten 85 from 49 deliveries for Middlesex in the same game and Smith’s 87 off 38 against Somerset, also on Sunday.

THE IN-FORM BOWLERS

Meanwhile, it is another man with a connection to Essex who leads the way with the ball, with Eagles Academy graduate, and current Sussex Sharks captain, Tymal Mills having claimed eight scalps.

He leads the way from Gloucestershire’s Matt Taylor and Tom Curran of Surrey, who have taken seven and six wickets, respectively, while six others have picked up five apiece.

He already has two four-wicket hauls, with four other South Group bowlers having done that once, namely Taylor and his teammate David Payne, Kent’s Matt Parkinson, and Somerset’s Ben Green.

In a piece of symmetry that will delight cricket badgers, speedster Mills’ average and economy rate both stand at exactly the same impressive figure of 7.25, giving him the best South Group average.

Meanwhile, it is Colin Ingram of Glamorgan who possesses the best economy rate so far at 5.00, ahead of the 5.75 per over achieved by spinners Liam Dawson of Hampshire, and Parkinson.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

30 May: Gloucestershire (142-5) beat Essex (141-9) by five wickets
Hampshire Hawks (162-9) lost to Surrey (163-5) by five wickets

31 May: Glamorgan (181-7) lost to Surrey (200-8) by 19 runs
Somerset (197-6) beat Essex (193-6) by four wickets
Middlesex (107 all out) lost to Kent Spitfires (205-8) by 98 runs
Sussex Sharks (168-7) beat Gloucestershire (167-8) by three wickets

02 June: Hampshire Hawks (166-7) beat Kent Spitfires (165-9) by three wickets
Glamorgan (183-7) beat Sussex Sharks (158-6) by 25 runs
Essex (207-6) beat Middlesex (203-7) by four wickets
Surrey (163 all out) beat Somerset (106 all out) by 57 runs

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

06 June: Middlesex v Glamorgan (Lord’s)

07 June: Gloucestershire v Hampshire Hawks (Seat Unique Stadium)
Kent Spitfires v Somerset (Spitfire Ground St Lawrence)
Surrey v Sussex Sharks (Kia Oval)
Essex v Glamorgan (The Cloud County Ground)

09 June: Gloucestershire v Sussex Sharks (Seat Unique Stadium)
Somerset v Hampshire Hawks (Cooper Associates County Ground)
Kent Spitfires v Middlesex (Spitfire Ground St Lawrence)

11 June: Middlesex v Somerset (Lord’s)

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in shortest-format action in Chelmsford for 2024.

Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now less than 10% of tickets available across the six remaining home fixtures, with two already sold out.

With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

As part of its efforts to drive positive change in women’s sport across the region, Essex Cricket have partnered with FabLittleBag, the provider of sustainable period product solutions for women and girls.

Having recently been successful in bidding for Tier One status for its women’s team from next year, the Club remains committed to transforming the landscape of women’s sport across the region.

The partnership will see all players and spectators at The Cloud County Ground able to access free period products and FabLittleBags for easy responsible disposal.

Every day, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed in the UK, causing blockages and pollutions of rivers and oceans. Providing FabLittleBags in our female cubicles and coaches bags ensures a new, environmentally-friendly method of disposal.

Martha Silcott, CEO and Founder of FabLittleBag, says: “Essex Cricket joins our Period Supportive Movement, and we could not be happier!

“Managing periods will no longer be a barrier for women and girls at The Cloud County Ground as free period products and FabLittleBags will be there to help anyone being ‘caught short ‘ and to encourage responsible, easy disposal.

“A new standard has been set by Essex with their coaches also equipped with our Coaches’ Bags home and away.

“It has been a real pleasure working with the team at Essex and Ashley Neave and Theo Wright are great allies in this space.

“Natalie Samaranayake is a wonderful leader and has been passionate about ensuring that women and girls’ basic needs are met and working with Essex clubs to create welcoming and inclusive environments.”

John Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer at Essex Cricket, added: “It’s fantastic to be able to partner with such a forward-thinking organisation as FabLittleBag.

“Period concern should never be a barrier to participation in sport, and FabLittleBag provides an easy, discreet, and responsible solution.

“We are thrilled to join the Period Supportive Movement and in doing so, make The Cloud County Ground a happier and more welcoming place for everyone to visit.”
 

In 2024, Essex Cricket’s Official Partner, Tiptree, is rewarding players who stand out with an individual performance on the field with one of their luxury hampers.

After seven were gifted to five different players across the first five games of the season, a further four were given out across the remainder of May.

Warwickshire (H)

Jordan Cox kicked off a sensational end to the first block of Vitality County Championship cricket by underpinning a masterful Essex chase of 330 for victory over Warwickshire following a week off.

His 112 helped the Eagles pull off one of the highest successful fourth-innings chases in history and provided an ideal recovery from defeat to Somerset two weeks prior.

Kent (A)

Having struck a century in the first home match of the season, Cox continued to torment his old employers by striking his first double hundred in Essex colours against Kent in Canterbury.

Cox leathered 207 from 255 balls to set up a mammoth Eagles score of 591-7 declared, ultimately providing the foundation of a sizeable Essex win that reignited the race to the Division One summit.

Matt Critchley took home one of two hampers gifted in the final Championship match of the first block by claiming a five-wicket haul at the Spitfire Ground with his leg-spin.

Critchley proved instrumental in securing the visitors a 197-run first-innings lead as he returned figures of 5/88 from 40.1 overs, removing Ben Compton, Marcus O’Riordan, Joe Denly, Arafat Bhuiyan, and Wes Agar.

Middlesex (H)

The start of the Vitality Blast offered further players the chance to earn themselves a hamper, and Michael Pepper duly obliged with a barnstorming 44-ball 101, his first ton for Essex, to tee up a thrilling win over Middlesex.

With the Eagles chasing 204 to win, Pepper stepped up to hammer 10 fours and six sixes in blasting the second-fastest century ever by an Essex player, sealing a four-wicket win with more than two full overs to spare.

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in shortest-format action in Chelmsford for 2024.

Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now less than 10% of tickets available across the six remaining home fixtures, with two already sold out.

With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

After another month filled with quality that has seen Essex continue to compete on multiple fronts, the four-player shortlist for the May wefinanceanycar.com Player of the Month award of the season has been revealed.

The quartet includes the Eagles’ two new additions for 2024, alongside a middle-order maestro and one of the premier first-change seamers on the county cricket circuit.

By voting in the wefinanceanycar.com Player of the Month award, you will be in with a chance of winning a signed shirt from the player who receives the eventual crown for May.

The Contenders

Jordan Cox

Cox continued his fine start to life at Essex since switching from Kent in the off-season to hit exactly 400 County Championship runs during May, elevating him to third in the overall scoring charts.

After hitting 112 against Warwickshire, Cox’s highlight came when he put his old employers to the sword in Canterbury, striking a spectacular double hundred.

He also contributed 78 runs across the first two matches in the Vitality Blast against Gloucestershire and Somerset, scoring at a strike rate of 156.

Matt Critchley

A consistently reliable player for Essex with bat and ball, Critchley backed up a strong April with more all-round showings throughout May.

He was also vital in the nervelessly titanic run chase that secured a crucial win over Warwickshire, scoring an unbeaten 99, but it was his bowling that especially caught the eye.

Critchley returned a haul of 4/24 as the Bears suffered a second-innings skittling at Chelmsford to set up that chase, while he went one better the following week, snaring 5/88 in the first dig against Kent.

Dean Elgar

After Cox, the other half of Essex’s new boys on the block also stretched good April form into May, adding contributions in both red- and white-ball cricket.

The unshakeable former South Africa captain struck 152 Championship runs in May, including two further half-centuries against Warwickshire and Kent.

Having then been included in the Eagles’ squad to kick off the 2024 Blast, Elgar displayed another side to his game, firing a 51-ball 77 against champions Somerset’s vaunted bowling attack in Taunton.

Shane Snater

Justifiably considered by Essex fans to be one of the most underrated seamers on the county circuit, Snater continued to show his quality throughout May.

The Zimbabwe-born all-rounder started the month with a four-wicket haul away to Somerset, before following it up with 3/58 and 3/15 against Warwickshire and Kent, respectively.

Those returns gave him a total of ten scalps in the month at a miserly average of just 12.80, but not content with that, he also hit an unbeaten 83 in Canterbury to contribute to another big win.

Vote Now

Full terms and conditions for the competition can be found here.

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in shortest-format action in Chelmsford for 2024.

Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now only 15% of tickets remaining across the six remaining home fixtures, with two already sold out.

With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
 

Essex v Middlesex

Vitality Blast

The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford

Sunday 02 June 2024 | 4:00pm

Team News:

Essex: Adam Rossington†, Dean Elgar, Michael Pepper, Jordan Cox, Paul Walter, Matt Critchley, Daniel Sams, Simon Harmer*, Luc Benkenstein, Ben Allison, Aaron Beard.

Middlesex: Stephen Eskinazi*, Martin Andersson, Ryan Higgins, Max Holden, Jack Davies†, Joe Cracknell, Luke Hollman, Josh de Caires, Tom Helm, Blake Cullen, Noah Cornwell.

Match Details:

Umpires: Mark Newell & Neil Bainton
Match Referee: Peter Such
Toss: Essex won the toss and elected to bowl first
Result: Essex won by four wickets

Scorecard: View here

Match Reaction: Michael Pepper

Match Highlights:

Match Report

Michael Pepper fired a sensational hundred off 43 balls as Essex made light work of chasing a target of 203 to beat Middlesex by four wickets and seal their first win of the 2024 Vitality Blast.

Pepper’s innings, the first T20 century for Essex since Cameron Delport’s 2019 ton, was a stunning display of pyrotechnics and underpinned a chase that was successful with two overs to spare.

It was also his first century in any format in senior cricket, and on a glorious June afternoon at The Cloud County Ground, he was supported by cameos from Dean Elgar, Jordan Cox, and Matt Critchley.

Max Holden had top-scored with an unbeaten 85 off 42 balls for the visitors, while Daniel Sams and Paul Walter each collected two wickets apiece for the Eagles.

With Simon Harmer having elected to chase after winning the toss, the hosts found immediate joy when Aaron Beard had Stephen Eskinazi caught behind by Adam Rossington with his first ball.

A hefty stand of 66 between captain Eskinazi’s opening partner Andersson and Ryan Higgins saw out the remainder of the powerplay, before the latter was well stumped off Matt Critchley for 27.

Critchley’s opening two overs went for just ten runs combined, with only eight of those off the bowler, helping to restrict Middlesex to 87-2 at halfway.

The introduction of fellow leg-spinner Luc Benkenstein brought more success as Andersson was well caught by Dean Elgar at backward point while one shy of his half-century.

However, a pair of sizeable overs, for which Holden was primarily responsible as he hit four sixes, kept the runs flowing for the Seaxes as the batter reached a 24-ball fifty and the total moved on to 150-3.

With five overs to go, Walter put the brakes on with two scalps, first removing Joe Cracknell for a swift 22 via a fine Sams catch at mid-on, before Josh de Caires was bowled for a duck.

Holden, though, remained steadfast and continued to strike boundaries around Sams taking two wickets, with Jack Davies caught by Benkenstein before Luke Hollman was held by Ben Allison.

Having hit Walter for four and six in the penultimate over, Holden took the Seaxes to the brink of 200, before he did the same off Sams at the very end to see Middlesex to an imposing target.

In reply, the loss of Rossington for 10, caught one-handed by wicketkeeper Davies off Tom Helm, took little out of the efforts of Elgar and Michael Pepper, who shone throughout the powerplay.

Pepper in particular found sparkling fluency, hitting Blake Cullen for four successive fours and following up with a further two in two off Helm.

Meanwhile, Elgar was not to be outdone and hoisted Noah Cornwell for an enormous leg-side six, as the Eagles soared to 70-1 after the first six overs.

Even the end of the fielding restrictions brought no respite for Middlesex, though, as Elgar fired another six off de Caires, before Pepper hit two of his own off Luke Hollman to bookend the eighth over.

The second of those maximums saw him post a 20-ball fifty, the second-fastest in Essex history, and he continued to accumulate even as Elgar was caught by Hollman off de Caires for a 21-ball 32.

Jordan Cox hammered an entertaining 22 from just eight balls, including an enormous six that sailed over the Doug Insole Pavilion, but the afternoon belonged to Pepper.

With Essex well on the way to a comprehensive win, he brought up his century in characteristic fashion via his sixth maximum of the game.

Although he then fell lbw to Hollman for 101, having become the 11th T20 centurion in Eagles history, he had done the work, and there was little left for Harmer and Sams to complete the job.

It was the latter who did so, striking four to finish things off and get the hosts on the board for the first time in this season’s competition.

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in Vitality Blast action for 2024.

Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now only 15% of tickets remaining across all seven home fixtures, with two already sold out.

With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024 and the next home match extremely close to a sell-out, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

Essex v Middlesex

Vitality Blast

The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford

Sunday 02 June, 4:00pm

 
Having experienced a difficult start to the Vitality Blast, Essex return to Chelmsford for a first home outing of this year’s competition against Middlesex.

Defeats away to Gloucestershire and Somerset on Thursday and Friday, respectively, mean that the Eagles are looking to get points on the board for the first time in the 2024 Blast tomorrow.

Batting first in both encounters, Anthony McGrath’s men found a total of 141-9 in Bristol overhauled with three overs to spare, while an improved 193-6 in Taunton was again chased down with five balls remaining.

Now, Essex will hope that a first victory of the campaign against the Seaxes will be in the offing as this year’s tournament begins to kick into gear.

Squad

Head Coach McGrath has named the same 15-player squad as the one that made the trip to the West Country.

The Opposition

Middlesex had an extremely rough time of it in the 2023 Blast, managing just three wins from their 14 games to finish bottom of the South Group.

The Seaxes fell to a 73-run loss to London rivals Surrey in their opening match, and things proceeded ever further downhill from there, as they went on to lose their opening ten matches in a row.

A relatively strong finish, with three victories from their final four matches at least restored some pride, with captain Stephen Eskinazi’s 462 runs across the competition leading the way with the bat, while Tom Helm claimed 12 wickets.

Old habits die hard though, and in their first game of 2024 – played at Chelmsford with Middlesex as the home team – against Kent on Friday night, they were humbled by 98 runs.

Middlesex squad: Stephen Eskinazi*, Martin Andersson, Henry Brookes, Noah Cornwell, Joe Cracknell, Blake Cullen, Jack Davies, Josh De Caires, Leus Du Plooy, Nathan Fernandes, Tom Helm, Ryan Higgins, Max Holden, Luke Hollman.

Last Time We Met

Unfortunately for the Eagles, while Middlesex had a torrid season last summer, one of those three victories did come in the last clash between the sides towards the tail end of the South Group campaign.

Essex were put in at home after losing the toss, and although an enormous 225-6 was piled up, the visitors went on to win by two wickets as they completed a successful chase with two balls to spare.

Daniel Sams top-scored for the Eagles with a marmalising 69 off 34 and Paul Walter hammered 45 off 23, while Martin Andersson conceded the most expensive T20 figures ever seen against Essex.

In reply, Matt Critchley produced a sensational return of 5/28 with his leg-spin, but Ryan Higgins’ 24-ball 61 helped the Seaxes to a narrow win as Andersson redeemed himself by hitting the winning runs.

South Group Table

How To Watch

If you are not able to attend The Cloud County Ground for the opener, the match will be live-streamed on the EssexCricketTV YouTube channel and available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone.

A report will be published on the Club website after each match, while live updates and highlights will be provided on the Essex Cricket social media channels.

Tickets

A limited number of tickets remain for this fixture, with prices starting at £30 for adults, £25 for young adults and students, and £5 for juniors.

The Kenton Group Stand at the Graham Gooch End of the ground is the designated family stand for this year’s Vitality Blast, with blocks 27-29 being alcohol-free and blocks 30 & 31 being the alcohol-tolerant family area.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the link below:

Matchday Guide

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex return to shortest-format action in Chelmsford from Sunday 02 June.

Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now only 15% of tickets remaining across all seven home fixtures, with two already sold out.

With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Sunday 02 June, 4:00pm: Essex v Middlesex – buy here
Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

Essex play their first Vitality Blast T20 fixture in front of a home crowd on Sunday 02 June with Middlesex the opponents.

The game has been dedicated one of two family fixtures during this year’s Vitality Blast group stage, with activities and entertainment located around the concourse throughout the fixture.

New to The Cloud County Ground is a Sensory and Family Room which is located at the Sir Alastair Cook end of the ground and can be accessed by contacting your nearest steward.

Essex Cricket have recently partnered with Fab Little Bag to ensure that spectators can access free sanitary products and be able to dispose of them easily, discreetly and responsibly. Fab Little Bag dispensers can be found in female and unisex toilets around the ground.

There are fewer than 50 allocated seats available for Sunday’s fixture which cost just £5 for Juniors and from £35 for Adults.

Gates Opening Times:

Gates will open at 2pm and spectators can enter the ground via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, located in Sky Blue Pasture, which is the closest entrance to Chelmsford City Centre and the Bus and Train stations.

Spectators are advised to arrive early to allow ample time to enter the ground and locate your seat. Bag checks will be in operation on entry to the ground and security will be present throughout the fixture.

Scheduled Hours of Play:

Toss: 3:30pm
First Innings: 4pm – 5:15pm
Interval: 5:15pm – 5:30pm
Second Innings: 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Matchday Guide:

In-Ground Entertainment:

• New this year is the Fanzone, where fans can purchases beverages, enjoy the beer garden and see live Q&As with former players.

• There will be entertainment for families in the form of mascots and face-painting, which will be located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion.

• There will also be a signing session in the Eagles Area after play. Autograph sheets will be provided in the Eagles Area and are free of charge.

• Handouts at the gates in 2024 include four and six cards, Vitality Blast glasses and t-shirts.

• Thanks to Woodland Group, a Young Eagle of the Match will be selected on the big screen during the interval to win a T20 Replica Shirt and the opportunity to meet the Woodland Group Player of the Match.

Matchday Purchases:

The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, which includes all food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas. The Essex Cricket Store is located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion and accepts both card and cash payments.

Accessibility:

Accessible parking:
Due to increased demand on parking spaces, there are a very limited number of spaces located at The Cloud County Ground on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with accessibility requirements are recommended, where possible, to take advantage of our drop off system where cars can drop passengers with accessibility requirements and their companions as close to the gate as possible.

Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand and in Block 1 of the Tom Pearce Stand Lower for this game.

Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge and must be arranged in advance. This is upon the presentation in the Membership & Ticketing Office or on the gate with proof of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people under 16 years old.

We can also accept a Blue Badge and Access card.

Accessible Toilets:
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located behind the main scoreboard (Red Area), rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion (Blue Area) and adjacent to Block 25 at County Corner (Green Area).

Ahead of Your Visit:

In the event of adverse weather conditions on the day of the match, please keep up to date with the prospects of play via the Club’s Twitter and Facebook channels.

Please note that the Prospect of Play phone line is no longer in use and all updates will be available online.

Travel:

Parking:
• Spectators travelling by car will need to locate a public car park in the proximity of the ground as there is no parking available on-site at The Cloud County Ground.

• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be extending it’s opening times until 8pm, an hour after the close of play.

• Essex Members are able to pre-book parking at Meteor Way car park for £2. It is essential to pre-book online as spaces on the day cannot be guaranteed. Book your parking space here.

Public Transport:
• Chelmsford Bus Station is situated on Duke Street, next to Chelmsford Train Station, with connections to all over the County. Alternatively, bus numbers 13, 46 and C1 shuttles, stop on New London Road, which is approximately a two-minute walk to the Ground, via New Writtle Street.

• Chelmsford Railway Station is operated by Greater Anglia and is an approximate 10-minute walk from The Cloud County Ground. Regular direct train services depart from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.

Ground Entry:

Spectators are able to enter the ground via the Main Gate located on New Writtle Street or through the Tees River Gate. Please enter through the gate nearest your seat location.

Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid ticket. This area accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.

General Public Seating:

• Supporters who have purchased tickets can enter the ground by scanning the QR on your tickets that has been sent to you via email following your purchase. If you choose to print out your ticket, please ensure that the match details (including name and seat details) are included as per the image below. Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone or printed out so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your QR code as that will not be read by the scanners.

• The Eagles Area will be in use throughout the Vitality Blast. Seating in the Eagles Area is unallocated and on a first-come-first-served basis. You will not be able to enter the Eagles Area if you have bought an allocated ticket. There is also a section of unallocated seating in Block 26a.

• In the event of rain forecast on the day of the match, spectators can bring a small umbrella into the ground but metal spiked umbrellas are not permitted.

• Please note, Blocks 27, 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in those Blocks you will not be permitted to take an alcoholic beverage to your seat.

Around the Ground:

• Spectators are not permitted to enter the field of play during a T20 match.

• Spectators are permitted to move behind the Doug Insole Pavilion but please respect the players’ area and walkway.

• The Club Store and Membership & Ticketing Office will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.

• If you experience any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour during your visit to The Cloud County Ground then, please contact your nearest steward. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or text ‘RESPECT’ including your stand and issue to 60066.

• Public Wi-Fi is available at The Cloud County Ground for every matchday giving you the opportunity to share photos and videos of your Eagles experience. Simply logon to ‘EC-Public’ from your seat to access.

• Fab Little Bag dispensers are located in all female and unisex toilets to allow an easy, discreet and environmentally friendly disposal of sanitary products.

• There is a sensory and family room situated near the Tees River Gate. Should you need to use it, please contact your nearest steward.

Food & Drink:

• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store where Anne’s Pantry will be offering a variety of food.

• There will be a Gin & Fizz bar also located by the Doug Insole Pavilion.

• The Level Head Bar returns for 2024 and is the perfect space to relax with a drink in the beer garden and soak in the atmosphere.

• A new addition for this year is the 152 Bar. The bar, located in the Fanzone pays homage to the most memorable T20 innings ever played at Chelmsford.

• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members with valid tickets through its doors and serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks from the bar. A choice of snacks will also be available to purchase.

• Anne’s Pantry will be offering a choice of hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located at the Graham Gooch and Sir Alastair Cook ends as well as in the Food Court.

They will be serving a range of meals suitable for all dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as children’s portions.

• Other refreshment kiosks include bar areas located at either end of the ground in County Corner and Spinner’s Bar.

• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground for Vitality Blast fixtures. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed providing there is no glass or sharp objects such as cutlery.

• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is now a cashless ground, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.

Leaving the Ground:

During T20 fixtures, spectators are not allowed to reenter the ground after leaving.

At the conclusion of the game, we ask that spectators leave the ground in a safe and patient manner. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you safely out of the ground.

We hope you have an enjoyable visit to The Cloud County Ground and further information regarding the match, including squad announcements and a full match preview will be available on essexcricket.org.uk ahead of the match.

Get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions at [email protected] or via the Club’s official Twitter and Facebook channels.

Watch to watch the action

Fans can watch a live stream of the action via the Essex Cricket Matchzone where replays and statistics will also be available.

Commentary on the game will be provided by BBC Radio Essex and can be accessed via the live stream or BBC Radio Essex.

It is with sadness that the passing of Nigel Fuller has been announced. For numerous years, Nigel was the doyen of the Essex Press Box and nobody who was introduced to him during the course of their work, would forget him.

Before joining the Evening Echo in Basildon in 1969, he worked for a number of other regional papers including the Nottingham Evening Post, Birmingham Mail and South Wales Echo before decamping to Essex.

Apart from covering Southend United, Nigel’s other chief assignment was to provide features and match reports of Essex Cricket, a task he undertook assiduously as he did with the local football club.

Nigel soon built up a list of contacts and no story concerning either of the two clubs escaped his attention. He upset the hierarchy of the clubs on a number of occasions by publishing information that they preferred not to be disclosed but brushed off any of their ensuing ire with a shrug of the shoulders and the knowledge that what had been written was totally true.

Nigel was a trusted figure by the players and certain officials of the two clubs. He so befriended members of the Essex teams in the 70’s and 80’s that he would share hotel rooms and socialise with them. He would also travel to Southend away matches on the players and officials coach, naturally striking up friendships. A plus point of those relationships was that he would gain inside information which allowed him to write headline stories whilst, naturally, never revealing the source of his information.

As lead figure of the Essex Press Box for more than four decades, Nigel came into contact with so many fellow journalists and he both enjoyed their company and provided them with so many entertaining stories. A superb operator who, once met, would never be forgotten. He will be sorely missed.

A highly-talented journalist, Nigel decided to retire after the 2022 season, the ink in the biro finally drying up.

He passed away on Sunday night at the age of 83 following a short illness.

The thoughts of everyone as Essex Cricket are with Nigel’s wife, Jan, son Neil and his family during this time.