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Gloucestershire v Essex

Vitality Blast

Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

Friday 30 May 2024, 6:30pm start

Team News:

Gloucestershire: Miles Hammond, Cameron Bancroft, James Bracey (wk), Graeme van Buuren, Jack Taylor (c), Ben Charlesworth, Beau Webster, Ollie Price, Marchant de Lange, David Payne, Matt Taylor.

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

Match Details:

Umpires: Jack Shantry & Paul Baldwin
Match Referee: Phil Whitticase
Toss: Gloucestershire won the toss and elected to bowl
Result: Gloucestershire won by 5 wickets

Scorecard: View Here

Match Highlights

Match Report

David Payne and Matt Taylor claimed four wickets apiece as Gloucestershire took the win on the opening night of this year’s Vitality Blast with a five-wicket victory at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.

Payne took three wickets with the new ball and then removed dangerman Daniel Sams to finish with 4-24, while Taylor eclipsed the tail to return career-best T20 figures of 4-22 from four overs and restrict Essex to 141-9.

Jordan Cox, featuring in his first T20 match for Essex, top-scored with 48 and dominated a stand of 64 in 6.5 overs for the fourth wicket with Paul Walter, who contributed 43.

Gloucestershire’s James Bracey led the reply posting 49 from 30 balls and dominating a stand of 83 in seven overs with Cameron Bancroft, who weighed in with 32 as the home side took control. Ben Charlesworth finished unbeaten on 22 as Gloucestershire wrapped up victory beneath the Bristol floodlights with 18 balls to spare.

Gloucestershire’s decision to insert last season’s runners-up was fully justified when Payne claimed wickets with his second and third deliveries, having Dean Elgar held at short third man and then producing an in-swinger to uproot Michael Pepper’s middle stump as Essex had a slow start.

The left arm seamer struck again in his next over, Adam Rossington pushing half forward to a ball that left him and offering a routine catch behind as Essex slid to 11-3. A wicket maiden meant Payne boasted figures of 3-6 from two overs.

Cox fought fire with fire, hoisting Matt Taylor over the long-off boundary for the first six of the innings and then repeating the feat at the expense of Marchant de Lange, while Walter greeted the advent of Beau Webster with an off-driven four as the fourth wicket pair staged a recovery, Essex advancing to 49-3 at the end of the powerplay.

In the absence of the injured Tom Smith, Graeme van Buuren was required to take pace off and keep things tight during the middle overs. Cox departed for a 27-ball 48 that included 4 fours and 3 sixes with the score on 75 in the tenth, after lifting a delivery from de Lange to mid-off.

Webster, van Buuren and de Lange cut off the supply of boundaries during the middle overs and Walter, under pressure to up the tempo, attempted to pull the returning Matt Taylor and top-edged a catch behind, departing the scene for a 30-ball 43. He had accrued 5 fours and a six and, at 110-5 in the 15th over, the innings was sorely in need of acceleration.

Australian all-rounder Sams was the next batter in but Essex were dealt a further blow when their overseas chipped Payne to short extra having contributed just nine with the score on 119 in the 16th. Matt Taylor then accounted for Matt Critchley, caught and bowled for 16, Luc Benkenstein and Simon Harmer in the penultimate over.

Needing to make early in-roads, Essex removed Miles Hammond in the first over, Harmer taking a superb diving catch at slip off the bowling of Sams. But new batter Bracey quickly redressed the balance, scoring a six and a four from successive Aaron Beard deliveries. The Gloucestershire powerplay yielded 64 and the second wicket alliance reached 50 in 28 balls.

With the rate now down to a run a ball and nine wickets still in hand, Gloucestershire’s batters were not obliged to take undue risk. But Bracey was clearly in a hurry, the 27-year-old left hander helping himself to 3 fours and 4 sixes to put Essex on the back foot.

Bancroft had scored 32 from 18 deliveries with 6 fours when Benkenstein bowled the Australian via a big inside edge. Beard then had Bracey held on the deep mid-wicket boundary in the next over and Jack Taylor succumbed to Critchley’s leg breaks for seven as Gloucestershire slipped to 100-4 in the 12th over.

Thereafter, Webster and Charlesworth scored a partnership of 35 for the fifth wicket as Gloucestershire reached their target to win the game.

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

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

Gloucestershire v Essex | Somerset v Essex

Vitality Blast

The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol | The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

Thursday 30 May 2024, 6:30pm | Friday 31 May 2024, 6:30pm

 
Having experienced heartbreak in last season’s final, Essex are back in Vitality Blast action this week with the aim of overcoming that final hurdle and earning the tag of double T20 champions.

Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams is back among the Eagles’ ranks after winning the Blast’s MVP award in 2023, while Jordan Cox and Dean Elgar are among the new faces set for their Essex T20 bows.

Following a strong start to the season in County Championship cricket, a pair of trips to the West Country await Anthony McGrath’s men as the shortest-format competition begins this week.

A meeting with Gloucestershire in Bristol is first up, before Essex take on Somerset in Taunton on Friday night as the Sky Sports cameras capture a rematch of last season’s showpiece.

The Inside Line: Daniel Sams

Squad

Head Coach McGrath has named a 15-man squad for the trips to Bristol and Taunton, with Sam Cook missing the trip to the West Country.

Cook sustained a hamstring injury during the last Vitality County Championship match away at Kent, and is currently being assessed by the Club’s medical team following a scan to find out the extent of the injury.

The Opposition: Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire are one of five counties never to have won the domestic English T20 title, with their closest effort coming in 2007, when they finished as runners-up to Kent.

Last season was something of a struggle, as the Bristol outfit picked up only five wins from their 14 matches to finish in seventh, six points behind the fourth-placed Eagles.

In particular, Gloucestershire found batting difficult, with Ben Charlesworth finishing as their leading run-scorer despite totalling only 299 runs, a tally that put him 53rd in the overall competition standings.

Bowling was a little more productive, with Tom Smith’s 17 wickets leading the way from David Payne’s 15 and the 10 that Ollie Price claimed.

Gloucestershire squad: Jack Taylor*, Cameron Bancroft, James Bracey+, Ben Charlesworth, Marchant de Lange, Miles Hammond, Ed Middleton, David Payne, Ollie Price, Josh Shaw, Ajeet Singh Dale, Tom Smith, Matt Taylor, Graeme van Buuren, Beau Webster.

Last Time We Met: Gloucestershire

Many recent meetings between these two sides have been weather-affected, but the rain held off long enough last May at The Cloud County Ground to allow Essex to complete a three-wicket win.

In the Eagles’ opening match of the 2023 tournament, Simon Harmer opted to insert the visitors after winning the toss, and they responded by posting a competitive-looking 195-7.

Charlesworth top-scored with 52 from 20 balls, while Sams and Paul Walter picked up two wickets apiece, before opener Robin Das blasted 69 off 33 to set the Eagles well on their way.

Feroze Khushi also struck 34 off 14 as, despite two scalps each for Payne and Price, the hosts got over the line off the first ball of the final over as Tom Westley, who notched a 23-ball 31, hit the winning four.

The Opposition: Somerset

After winning their second Blast title with a nail-biting final victory over the Eagles in 2023 to go with a previous triumph in 2005, Somerset head into this season with their hopes high.

They are shorn of last year’s tournament-leading wicket-taker Matt Henry, who is away at the World Cup with New Zealand, and have opted to replace him with Australian speedster Riley Meredith.

Whether Meredith will be able to replicate the form of Henry that contributed to Somerset winning 15 of their 17 matches last year remains to be seen, but the rest of the title-winning squad remains intact.

Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory, and Ben Green – who finished behind Henry in 2023 with 30 scalps – are all game-changers, while Will Smeed, Tom Banton, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore are destructive batters.

Somerset squad: TBC

Last Time We Met: Somerset

While many Eagles fans may want to forget last year’s final after Somerset edged out a 14-run win in a low-scoring clash, it would be harsh to disregard what was a spirited Essex showing.

Having seen off Hampshire in the last four prior to Somerset overcoming Surrey, the sides met for the showpiece as Harmer won the toss and opted to chase.

At halfway, it looked a good decision with Sean Dickson’s 35-ball 53 the only innings of note in Somerset’s 145, as Shane Snater returned career-best figures of 3/13 and Walter also took three scalps.

However, Somerset’s strangling bowling attack suppressed the Eagles, as despite Sams’ counter-attacking 45 off 26 balls, he was the last man to fall to confirm an Essex total of 131 all out.

South Group Preview

Click here for a team-by-team preview of each of this year’s South Group contenders.

How To Watch

If you are not making the journey westwards for either fixture, there are slightly different ways to watch each game.

The opener against Gloucestershire will be streamed live on the hosts’ YouTube channel and available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone.

Meanwhile, Friday night’s repeat of the 2023 final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6:00pm.

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

For anyone joining the Eagles in Bristol, tickets bought in advance are priced at £26 for adults and £9 for juniors (with a 10% discount if you are buying at least 10 tickets), with these prices increasing to £31 for adults and £12 for juniors if bought on the gate.

While seating is unreserved, spectators are able to book specific tickets in either the no alcohol area (block B1 of the Jack Russell Stand) or the low alcohol area (block B3 of the Jack Russell Stand) if they would like.

Tickets for the Gloucestershire match can be purchased by visiting the link below:

Meanwhile, the Somerset fixture is more oversubscribed, with only Category C tickets (in the Somerset Stand, the Ondaatje Alcohol Free Stand, and the Trade Nation Stand) or restricted view tickets left available, and all family tickets sold out.

Category C tickets are priced at £37 for adults, £19 for students, £10 for young adults aged 16-18, and £7 for juniors aged 15 and under, with restricted view seats available at £30 for adults, £15 for students, £7 for young adults, and £5 for juniors.

Tickets for the Somerset game can be purchased by visiting the link below:

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

Do you pride yourself on your Essex knowledge? Reckon you could beat your friends and family?

Well, the good news is that to celebrate the start of the Vitality Blast, you’ve now got the chance to prove it.

Answer our 20 Questions For T20, and crown yourself the brainiest Essex T20 fan around!

Click below to launch the quiz, and make sure to share your scores with us on social media.

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
 

Excitement is reaching fever pitch as the beginning of the Vitality Blast draws ever closer.

Essex get their campaign underway on Thursday with a trip to the Seat Unique Stadium to take on Gloucestershire, before showcasing their skills in front of the Sky Sports cameras against Somerset in Taunton on Friday night.

With the thrilling entertainment of the Blast now only days away, we assembled a five-strong panel of experts to tell us what they think this year’s tournament might have in store.

Those who gave their predictions were commentators Aatif Nawaz and Kevin Howells of the BBC, Charles Dagnall from the BBC and Sky Sports, BBC Essex’s Sports Editor Victoria Polley, and freelance cricket writer Sam Dalling.

How do you think Essex will perform in the 2024 Vitality Blast?

Aatif Nawaz: I expect Essex to do really well this season. It’s a really strong and balanced squad. At the very least, I’d predict a quarter-final berth.

Charles Dagnall: I think they will perform well, and I fully expect them to make it back to the quarter finals and perhaps Finals Day – not doing that would be disappointing. Having Daniel Sams back is a big boost, but I think the bowling attack is so well balanced with fantastic power hitting in the top and middle order.

Kevin Howells: I can’t think a reason that suggests that small step from runner up to winners won’t happen. The ingredients are all in place again, with Daniel Sams an overseas who can win matches. Add Jordan Cox who, with that immense strike rate and experience, has the talent to fill that gap left by Dan Lawrence.

Victoria Polley: It was disappointing to see Essex come so close last season and not be the ones lifting the trophy at Edgbaston but I have high hopes that Essex will get there again. They have a strong, pretty much unchanged squad and a clear way of playing under the captaincy of Simon Harmer. And thanks to the stats from my colleague Paul – they tend to do well when it comes to winning titles in General Election years!

Sam Dalling: Finals Day as a minimum. After that, well, it’s a bit of a lottery isn’t it?!

Who do you think will be Essex’s one to watch?

AN: I think Daniel Sams will have a huge impact. Such a class act. Best player in the competition last season.

CD: Jordan Cox. Fantastic addition to the ranks after the departure of Dan Lawrence. Thrilling batter with a huge repertoire of shots 360 degrees around the ground and electrifying in the field.

KH: Shane Snater has caught the eye in the early part of the season. He’s the sort of player who can go unnoticed, like Matt Critchley too, yet the figures show they are match winners. Hopefully a fit-again Paul Walter can entertain just as he was doing in the Big Bash last winter. The Aussies love him and so do crowds here.

VP: The one addition to the Essex line-up I’m looking forward to seeing is Jordan Cox. He’s an exciting white ball player and he clearly has big ambitions about being involved with England so I can’t wait to see what he can bring to the Essex squad for the T20 Blast. He’s shown what he can add to the red ball team so I’m hoping for more of the same in this format.

SD: Jordan Cox. This boy is going to be special. In fact, he already is. Red-ball runs have flowed freely and I expect the white-ball tap to be on. He has already won this comp and was previously a star performer in the final. Gun fielder too!

Who will be the Eagles’ leading run-scorer?

AN: Michael Pepper. Showed flashes of magic last season, a really exciting player to watch. I reckon he’ll rack ’em up!

CD: I see a lot of players contributing, but to avoid sitting on the fence – which I’m prone to doing – Adam Rossington.

KH: Why look anywhere but last season with Sams and Pepper, but I’ll go as far as picking Jordan Cox. I have a feeling he will kick on again this year with a new team.

VP: I’ll go with Daniel Sams as the leading run-scorer. He was such a valuable player to Essex in last year’s competition and came so close to winning it for Essex.

SD: For the reasons outlined above, Jordan Cox!

How about Essex’s leading wicket-taker?

AN: Sam Cook. Already looked quality in the Championship, I expect him to carry that form into the white ball game.

CD: I think one of the spinners, and it’s too easy to say Simon Harmer, so I’m going for Matt Critchley. Both are wonderful cricketers!

KH: I’m going Matt Critchley to pip Sams this year. The margin might be just a few but he has a big impact on games and is getting better with each year.

VP: Sam Cook has been on fire so far this season and I’d back him to have another good campaign in the shorter format of the game.

SD: The easy choice, but also the people’s choice: Sam Cook. I adore this man. It would have been easy for him to swerve white-ball cricket at his pace, but instead he has developed a world-class skill set.

Which Essex youngster are you tipping to break through in 2024?

AN: I think Feroze Khushi will have a breakthrough year. Something about him. Definitely a special talent.

CD: Robin Das! He’s the only one I’d consider young! Although some of the lads I watched for the England under-19s this winter would be good to see. Luc Benkenstein and Noah Thain have great promise and potential.

KH: Luc Benkenstein. I’ll be surprised if the the 19-year-old, whose all-round potential is being talked about a lot, doesn’t get a decent go this season in this format. He’s returned some impressive figures in the seconds already, and he’s a confident lad who should get the Essex crowd on their feet.

VP: It’s hard to tell which Essex youngsters will be involved with such a strong squad to pick from but Noah Thain has had some Championship experience already this season and is handy with the bat and ball, while I’d say the same about Luc Benkenstein if he was to get a chance. Both had great experience with England U19s over the winter.

SD: Is it cheating to say Feroze Khushi? He’s played 20-odd games already but watching this lad is a joy. I saw his red-ball century up at Chester-le-Street earlier in the summer and wouldn’t be surprised if a T20 one is just around the corner.

Who is your player to watch out for from the South Group overall?

AN: Ryan Higgins at Middlesex. A devastating player on his day and he’s just starting to hit a purple patch. The start he’s made to the Championship this year makes me think it’ll be a big year for him.

CD: There’s so many to choose from, but I think Lewis Gregory is up there as one of the best cricketers in the country. The amount of times I’ve seen him change a game with bat or ball is astonishing and he’s an excellent tactical captain too. He won’t lead the run-scoring or wicket-taking charts, but he wins games.

KH: This won’t make me popular but across the estuary – and only there for a few matches – Xavier Bartlett at Kent and up the road at Surrey, Spencer Johnson. They light up my winters watching them in the Big Bash and I suspect they might be lighting up a few bails this summer here.

VP: Can I say Daniel Sams again? He was the MVP of the tournament last season after all!

SD: Cheating again, but I’m going to give you two. Batter: James Vince. For the umpteenth year, James Vince will do James Vince things, and it will be glorious. Bowler: Riley Meredith. The world is obsessed with pace right now, and this boy has miles per hour to spare. Bails. Will. Zing.

Finally, who are your tip to win the entire Blast in 2024?

AN: Sorry Eagles. I have to be honest. I think it’s Birmingham Bears’ year. Twice they’ve had outstanding runs and fallen short in the quarter-finals. If they get past that hurdle, I can see them creating a fairytale finish on Finals Day at Edgbaston.

CD: Essex of course! I’m a local now, so have to go with my home side. I think they’ve got a great chance but I also have a sneaky feeling for my old club Birmingham Bears. Essex beat them in that thrilling quarter-final last season but I like the Bears additions. I think it could be their year.

KH: Well if you don’t want me to say Essex or Somerset, how about Hampshire Hawks. I think Michael Neser is a big signing, and vital part of the Brisbane Heat success in the BBL, plus Ben McDermott is box office. They have proven success over many years and it took a tight DLS game to beat them in the semi finals last year.

VP: I know when they have won it they haven’t necessarily been the favourites but I’ll say Essex.

SD: Finals Day could be pretty much the same line-up as 2023. As for the winner, I’m going with the heart – sorry, I am a Somerset fan! – and will say that B2B titles are on the cards for the Cidermen. Don’t rule out Durham, though. Ryan Campbell has them playing an exciting brand of cricket, and I reckon they could flourish.

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

The Vitality Blast is set to explode back onto the scene this week, signalling the start of a seven-week group stage that promises big hitting, spectacular catches, and nerve-shredding finishes.

The 18 counties are, as ever, split by geography into two groups, and with Essex set to begin their 22nd season of competing in the South Group, this is a team-by-team preview of those nine contenders.

Essex

Captain: Simon Harmer
Overseas players: Simon Harmer (South Africa), Daniel Sams (Australia)
2023 finish: Runners-up (4th in South Group)
2023 leading run-scorer: Daniel Sams (419)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Daniel Sams (25)
Blast titles: 1 (2019)

The big question: Could Essex go one better in 2024? Having qualified for the knockout stages in the most dramatic circumstances thanks to a last-ball win at the Oval, the Eagles made a run all the way to the final. There, they fell in heartbreaking circumstances to Somerset, but with a key man returning and a major signing made, there are high hopes that a second Blast title could be on the horizon.

Key players: Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams won last year’s MVP award, and having signed to return for 2024, will be a cornerstone of both Essex’s middle order and bowling attack. New arrival Jordan Cox is also an electrifying addition both with the bat and in the field.

Wildcard watch: Charlie Allison is highly regarded as a star of the future at Chelmsford. The 19-year-old younger brother of established first-teamer Ben, Allison had a breakout campaign with the bat in last season’s One Day Cup. He will be keen to grab his chance in the shortest format if it comes.

Final thought: If Sams fires once again, and he is backed up by a core of other stars that includes Big Bash, PSL, and SA20 winners, the Eagles should be right in the mix. Defending a total of any sort at Chelmsford is difficult, so Anthony McGrath’s men will have to hope they find themselves chasing at home more often than not, but they have enough star power to deservedly be among the favourites.

Glamorgan

Captain: Kiran Carlson
Overseas players: Colin Ingram (South Africa), Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
2023 finish: 8th in South Group
2023 leading run-scorer: Chris Cooke (419)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Jamie McIlroy (19)
Blast titles: 0

The big question: Will Glamorgan be able to improve their bowling? The Welsh outfit conceded an average economy rate in last season’s competition of 10.09 per over, the worst of any of the 18 teams, and found themselves chasing more than 200 on four separate occasions. Any hopes of progress will hinge on a significant uptick in that department.

Key players: Australian international Marnus Labuschagne is returning to Cardiff for the first time in two years, and will provide a strong boost to Glamorgan’s top order. His fellow overseas, Colin Ingram, has also been a consistent rapid scorer on the banks of the River Taff for a number of years, while the bulk of the wicket-taking responsibility will fall on seamers Dan Douthwaite and Jamie McIlroy.

Wildcard watch: Someone who could improve Glamorgan’s bowling is on-loan Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane. Signed for the duration of 2024, Crane heads into the Blast having bowled just 22 overs in last season’s competition for the Hawks. He needs a big season to rejuvenate his career, but in a team that will look to him for inspiration, he could be in line for that.

Final thought: In Labuschagne, Glamorgan possess the sort of star quality that has for the most part been pulled away from this year’s Blast owing to the concurrence of the T20 World Cup. While he is handier with a bat than with a ball and may not answer all their problems, he should lift the overall level of a squad that struggled in 2023.

Gloucestershire

Captain: Jack Taylor
Overseas players: Cameron Bancroft, Beau Webster (both Australia), Zafar Gohar (Pakistan)
2023 finish: 7th in South Group
2023 leading run-scorer: Ben Charlesworth (299)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Tom Smith (17)
Blast titles: 0

The big question: Can someone put their hand up with the bat for Gloucestershire? The tale on the other side of the Severn Estuary was the opposite one, with the Bristol outfit struggling to score runs, a fact borne out by the statistic of no Gloucestershire man being in the 2023 Blast’s top-50 run-scorers. There is a crying need to make themselves a more dangerous outfit if they are to succeed in 2024.

Key players: Although he fell short of matching his returns of previous seasons, opener Chris Dent is still a grizzled campaigner and will be motivated to improve in 2024. In addition, Australian batter Cameron Bancroft has rejoined the Bristol outfit and brings with him much experience, while the Price brothers, Tom and Ollie, are a pair of extremely talented young cricketers.

Wildcard watch: Express pace is always a useful part of any T20 bowling armoury, and in Marchant de Lange, Gloucestershire possess one of the most full-throated quicks around. While he is hardly a youngster, he did only play two Blast matches last year owing to injury. If de Lange stays fit, Mark Alleyne’s side have a strong additional weapon to make use of that they could not call upon last year.

Final thought: Gloucestershire feel like a real conundrum. Under the new guidance of a man who adores the club in Alleyne – a love that is very much reciprocated – the Bristol outfit really could kick on. There is much to work on, not least that lack of cutting edge with the bat, but the signing of Bancroft shows their intention to try and resolve that particular problem. They could surprise a few.

Hampshire Hawks

Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Michael Neser, Ben McDermott (both Australia), Ottniel Baartman (South Africa)
2023 finish: Semi-finalists (2nd in South Group)
2023 leading run-scorer: James Vince (670)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Nathan Ellis (23)
Blast titles: 3 (2010, 2012, 2022)

The big question: How much will Hampshire miss Nathan Ellis? Having nervelessly re-delivered the final ball that won the Hawks the 2022 title, the bustling Australian seamer returned 23 scalps last time out. However, this time, he is away at the World Cup, recreated in the aggregate by Michael Neser and Ottniel Baartman, and the question of how the Utilita Bowl outfit do in his absence is a big one.

Key players: Hawks captain James Vince is one of the classiest operators on the domestic circuit, and his talent has been borne out by the fact he has finished as the Blast’s overall leading run-scorer in both of the past two seasons. Combined with Australian blaster Ben McDermott, Hampshire possess one of the best opening pairs around, while John Turner looks set for a big season with the ball.

Wildcard watch: Young batter Toby Albert played in the bulk of Hampshire’s matches in their run to the last four in 2023, showing flashes of talent. He could be set to kick on, with the added motivation of hunting a first senior T20 fifty, having only just struck his maiden Championship hundred in the last round of matches.

Final thought: While the T20 title in England has never been won by one side in consecutive years, Hampshire have been exceptionally consistent in competing at the right end for years. Their three titles mark them out as the joint-most successful county in the competition’s history, and if they do overcome the loss of Ellis, they will expect to be right at the forefront once more.

Kent Spitfires

Captain: Sam Billings
Overseas players: Wes Agar, Xavier Bartlett, Charlie Stobo (all Australia), Beyers Swanepoel (South Africa)
2023 finish: 5th in South Group
2023 leading run-scorer: Daniel Bell-Drummond (600)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Grant Stewart (24)
Blast titles: 2 (2007, 2021)

The big question: Can Kent make a better start than last year? After missing out on the knockout stages by two points, the Spitfires were left to rue a run of five consecutive defeats in their opening six matches that put them firmly on the back foot. Despite then reeling off six back-to-back victories, the mountain that the Canterbury outfit had given themselves to climb ended up being just too tough.

Key players: After Kent finally managed to secure his signature following some to and fro-ing with Cricket Australia, BBL-winning quick Xavier Bartlett will be a big bonus for an attack that got hit for the fourth-highest number of runs of any side, north or south, in last year’s Blast. With the bat, Daniel Bell-Drummond remains a class act and is in good red-ball form heading into the first block of T20s.

Wildcard watch: Whether or not he will get an opportunity remains to be seen, but Kent have had no qualms in blooding Jaydn Denly in the red-ball arena this year, so they may do the same in the shortest format too. The nephew of Spitfires veteran Joe Denly, the 18-year-old represented England at this year’s Under-19 World Cup in South Africa and is highly thought-of in Canterbury.

Final thought: There are areas for Kent to tidy up if they are to be a real force in the Blast this year. Recovering from the loss of Jordan Cox, who hit 315 runs in 2023, is one, while improving Sam Billings’ form is another. However, the ultimate aim is simply to not be playing catch-up from so early on, and if that can at least be achieved, they will consider themselves in with a chance of the last eight.

Middlesex

Captain: Stephen Eskinazi
Overseas players: None
2023 finish: 9th in South Group
2023 leading run-scorer: Stephen Eskinazi (462)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Tom Helm (12)
Blast titles: 1 (2008)

The big question: Will Middlesex be able to improve upon a wretched 2023 season? Just three wins from their 14 group stage games last season pinned the Seaxes to the foot of the South Group table, with their predominant problem being their bowling attack that conceded the most runs of any of the 18 sides. They finished four points adrift at the bottom and a full ten away from a spot in the top four.

Key players: If Middlesex are to have any hope of turning their fortunes around in 2024, the form of Ethan Bamber will play a big part. He was restricted to just two games last season, but showed flashes, claiming four wickets at just 16.25 apiece. All-rounder Ryan Higgins is also the sort of player who can take a game away with bat and ball, while captain Stephen Eskinazi will be relied upon for runs again.

Wildcard watch: With Middlesex opting not to sign an overseas player this season, there might be more of an opportunity for a young player to put their hand up. Tall homegrown seamer Blake Cullen was on the fringes of impressing last season, and if he is allowed to make more than his eight appearances in 2023, he could well develop into a very tough opponent to face.

Final thought: No one at Middlesex will be under any illusions as to the size of the task they face in turning the team around, especially without an overseas player. However, in the likes of Eskinazi, Bamber, Higgins, and Max Holden, there is significant talent. While a knockout stage spot will again be a difficult ask, there is no reason to think the Seaxes won’t at least be a little more competitive in 2024.

Somerset

Captain: Lewis Gregory
Overseas players: Riley Meredith (Australia)
2023 finish: Winners (1st in South Group)
2023 leading run-scorer: Will Smeed (523)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Matt Henry (31)
Blast titles: 2 (2005, 2023)

The big question: Can Somerset overcome the unavailability of last season’s star overseas duo? They stormed to the trophy last season, winning 15 out of 17 matches. Much of that success was down to a bowling attack featuring New Zealand pair Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi, the former of whom was the competition’s leading wicket-taker, but Somerset will have neither this year thanks to the World Cup.

Key players: In the absence of Henry and Sodhi, who combined for 39 wickets at a sparkling 14.10 apiece last year, the bowler next in line could be Ben Green. He was second in the overall Blast wicket-taking charts last year with 30. Meanwhile, captain Lewis Gregory and combative Craig Overton remain game-changers, as do young batters Tom Banton and the white-ball-only Will Smeed.

Wildcard watch: Such was the strength of Somerset’s title-winning team last season, it was hard for any player to break into, so the absence of Lewis Goldsworthy should not detract from his talent. He is an all-rounder who performed exceptionally well with the ball in last season’s 2nd XI T20 competition and who has appeared in 25 first-class matches already.

Final thought: Barring the enforced absence of Henry in particular, there seems to be very little that will stop Somerset from making a very good run at defending their title. The one thing fans in Taunton may want to forget is that history is against them – no team has ever won back-to-back domestic English T20 titles – but with all the quality they have, don’t bet against Somerset bucking that trend.

Surrey

Captain: Chris Jordan
Overseas players: Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson (both Australia)
2023 finish: Semi-finalists (3rd in South Group)
2023 leading run-scorer: Laurie Evans (563)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Sunil Narine (20)
Blast titles: 1 (2003)

The big question: Will Surrey finally be able to claim a second T20 title? For all their star power and recent run of three Championship titles in the last six years, the Brown Caps have only ever lifted the shortest-format trophy once, in its very first iteration. A semi-final finish last season was disappointing in context, and they have finished as runners-up three times, the joint-second most in Blast history.

Key players: The quality of Surrey’s squad is really something else, and although they will lose some of their premier players to the World Cup, they can still call upon the likes of Laurie Evans and Jason Roy with the bat and Tom Curran with the ball. Overseas signing Spencer Johnson is also a strong addition, even if he, like Roy, is only available for the first block of games.

Wildcard watch: With all the movement in the Brown Caps’ XI, there could be more opportunities than usual for unexpected players to put their hands up. Cameron Steel has been in fine red-ball form to start the season, and with Jacks at the World Cup and Sunil Narine not returning, Surrey will need a spinner. Steel only played in seven games last season, but still returned a bowling average of 20.25.

Final thought: Surrey will have some patching-up to do with four of their players – Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley – part of the England squad at the World Cup, but they should retain hope of another strong season. They have the depth to successfully cover for their missing quartet, and in Johnson, have acquired one of the world’s most eye-catching death bowlers.

Sussex Sharks

Captain: Tymal Mills
Overseas players: Jayden Seales (West Indies), Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Hughes (both Australia)
2023 finish: 6th in South Group
2023 leading run-scorer: Ravi Bopara (408)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Tymal Mills (18)
Blast titles: 1 (2009)

The big question: Will Sussex’s young squad be able to find the consistency required to make a top-four challenge? The Sharks were neither here nor there for much of last season, with their longest winning streak being three, but their longest losing streak being just four as well. With another year of experience under their belt, and under the guidance of a new captain, strides could be made.

Key players: Without Ravi Bopara, who was captain last season as well as leading the team’s run-scoring charts and chipping in with eight wickets, there is an open spot for someone to shine. Tom Clark racked up 294 runs last summer, while new captain Tymal Mills remained as threatening as ever with his fearsome pace.

Wildcard watch: Opener Harrison Ward showed flashes of his ability in the six games he played last summer, hitting two half-centuries and could well be expected to kick on if he is given more opportunities in 2024. Meanwhile, precocious spinner Archie Lenham is still worth a mention as a developing youngster; having only played one Blast match last year, he will have a point to prove.

Final thought: Sussex’s fortunes feel tricky to predict, though one of the more cast-iron certainties around the Sharks is that the loss of Bopara is likely to be keenly felt. His experience will have been invaluable in a dressing room containing many younger players, but perhaps John Simpson can step into that mentor role.

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

On Wednesday 29 May, Pakistan Women’s tour of England will conclude with a Metro Bank One Day International at The Cloud County Ground.

The IT20 leg of the tour was dominated by England Women, who won all three fixtures comfortably. England Women sit 1-0 up in the ODIs with the second ODI in Taunton abandoned due to rain.

Tickets for the fixture in Chelmsford are still available and cost £20 for Adults and £5 for Juniors.

Gates Opening Times:

Gates will open at 11:30am 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: 12:30pm
First Innings: 1pm – 4:10pm
Interval: 4:10pm – 4:40pm
Second Innings: 4:40pm – 7:50pm

In-Ground Entertainment:

There will be a variety of stalls based around the concourse for fans to visit throughout the day including:

• Arts and crafts
• Henna and face painting
• Calligraphy
• Traditional clothing such as scarves, kaftans, shoes and abayas
• A variety of South Asian aromatic food stalls serving savoury food as well as desserts and sweets

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 open and closes at the usual weekday time of 10pm.

• There is no public parking available at Meteor Way.

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 and Membership card. 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.

• 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 either Block you will not be permitted to take an alcoholic beveridge to your seat.

Around the Ground:

• Spectators are not permitted to enter the field of play during an ODI 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.

• Food truck, The Greedy Vegan will be located by the Doug Insole Pavilion and will be serving a range of vegan only dishes.

• 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.

• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members 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 Metro Bank One Day International 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 ODI 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 unable to attend the fixture can watch every ball on Sky Sports Cricket, where coverage will begin at 12:30pm.

Test Match Special will be providing full coverage of the match on radio via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra from 12:45pm.

Jordan Cox’s sensational double hundred at the home of his old employers Kent saw him crowned Player of the Match for the second week in a row.

Cox’s stunning innings of 207 from 255 balls, that contained 21 fours and five sixes, led Essex to a crushing victory by an innings and 96 runs over their arch-rivals in Canterbury.

His performance saw him take 70.1% of votes in a poll on Essex Cricket’s X page, with Matt Critchley finishing in second with 14.1%, and Shane Snater and Simon Harmer taking 11.2% and 4.6%, respectively.

Having hit his first century in 178 balls and 226 minutes, Cox accelerated through the gears to post his next 100 runs off just 68 deliveries in less than an hour and a half.

His knock, the second double-century of his career, underpinned a mammoth first-innings Eagles total of 591-7 declared.

Essex then produced an outstanding effort over the course of the following two-and-a-half days to bowl the hosts out twice.

Kent were first made to follow on as they were dismissed in their first innings for 394, still almost 200 in arrears, before then capitulating to 101 all out on the last day.

With Surrey falling to a big defeat at the hands of Hampshire, the 21 points garnered from this contest sees the Vitality County Championship title race on a knife-edge.

Following the conclusion of the first block of seven red-ball fixtures, Essex sit just two points behind the champions, with a mouthwatering clash between the two at the Kia Oval set for the end of June.

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

The Cloud County Ground will host England Under-19s’ first outing since the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup when they take on Sri Lanka on 28 June.

The Young Lions will host Sri Lanka in three Youth ODIs and two Youth Tests this summer, with the opening white-ball fixture to be played under the lights in Chelmsford.

Mike Yardy’s side will then head to The 1st Century County Ground in Hove for the final two Youth ODIs of the series.

Following that, the two-match Youth Test series will be staged at Wormsley and Cheltenham during July.

Head Coach Yardy said: “As always, it’s a great opportunity for our players to play against a quality international opposition and perform wearing an England shirt.”

Tickets are on sale now for the fixture at The Cloud County Ground, with Essex youngsters Charlie Allison, Luc Benkenstein, and Noah Thain all in contention to play.

Secure your seats to see the next generation of England Men play in Essex this summer:

England Men’s U19s v Sri Lanka Men’s U19s fixtures

28 June: 1st Youth ODI – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
1 July: 2nd Youth ODI – 1st Century County Ground, Hove
3 July: 3rd Youth ODI – 1st Century County Ground, Hove
8-11 July: 1st Youth Test – Sir Paul Getty’s Ground, Wormsley
16-19 July: 2nd Youth Test – College Ground, Cheltenham

Essex v Suffolk

Women’s County T20

Colchester & East Essex CC

Sunday 26 May 2024 | 4:30pm

Team News

Essex: Grace Poole, Katherine Speed, Bella Howarth, Tilly Callaghan, Jess Bird, Kelly Castle*, Bella Johnson, Jasmine Westley, Yasmin Daswani+, Hannah Davis, Esmae Macgregor.

Match Details

Toss: Suffolk won the toss and opted to field
Result: Essex won by 75 runs

Scorecard: View Here

Match Report

Essex Women secured a crushing win over Suffolk to get their County T20 campaign underway in style in the second match of a planned double-header at Colchester and East Essex CC.

Despite the first match of the day, against Kent, having fallen victim to the weather, conditions had brightened up sufficiently by late afternoon to allow the second game to take place in full.

The Eagles piled up 163-5 as Tilly Callaghan struck 55, while Katherine Speed and returning captain Kelly Castle both amassed 33, with the latter doing so unbeaten and off just 21 balls.

In addition, Grace Poole, operating as an opening pinch-hitter, flew out of the blocks with 23 from just nine balls, including a second over that totalled 20.

It was a total that proved beyond the reach of the Suffolk chasing effort, as despite the visitors having earlier opted to insert Essex, they fell far short in replying with just 88-4 from their allotted 20 overs.

Restrictive bowling from Poole, Callaghan, Esmae Macgregor, and Hannah Davis saw them all pick up a wicket apiece, while Jasmine Westley was similarly economical in going for just 22 from four overs.

After Poole’s efforts had seen Essex fly out of the traps before she was caught by Laila Hollis off Imogen Sidhu, Speed went on to underpin the innings with her 39-ball effort.

Following the latter being run out, Callaghan took up the mantle, and alongside the strong hitting of Castle, the Eagles finished with a flourish as Callaghan went to her fifty in the final over.

The Essex attack then superbly applied the pressure to ensure Suffolk were never in the hunt in reply, with Callaghan claiming the wicket of Sophie Hughes before Poole removed Sophie Singer next ball.

That left the visitors 14-2, and although top-scorer and captain Amelie Clarke and Emily Cunningham added 44, their rate was always too slow to provide any real danger.

Bella Howarth took the catch of Cunningham off Macgregor to break that third-wicket stand, while Davis bowled Hollis with the penultimate ball of the 18th over.

A final tight over of just two runs from Macgregor closed out the contest, handing the Eagles eight points and sending them soaring to the top of Group 3 in the County T20 competition.