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Wednesday 25 March was supposed to be Day Two of the Champion County match between the MCC and Essex out in Sri Lanka. However, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the 2020 cricket season has been delayed until at least May 28, with the traditional season curtain-raiser being cancelled in the process.

To mark what should have been the start of our 2020 campaign, we take a look back at some of our previous Champion County matches, starting with the fixture at Lord’s in 1984.

Fixture: MCC v Essex
Date: Wednesday 25 April – Friday 27 April 1984
Venue: Lord’s
Result: MCC won by 67 runs

MCC: C. Smith, A. Lloyd, M. Nicholas, D. Gower, M. Gatting, C. Cowdrey, R. Williams, P. Downton, N. Williams, N. Cook and N. Cowans.

Essex: G. Gooch, C. Gladwin, K. Fletcher, K.McEwan, B. Hardie, D. Pringle, S. Turner, D. East, N. Foster, J. Lever and D. Acfield.

Match Report:

In glorious weather and in front of fair-sized crowds on all three days, the economical bowling produced by the Essex attack in the first innings made run-scoring difficult.

Only Mark Nicholas played with any freedom and batted fluently on a pitch giving generous help to the medium-pacers. The Hampshire batsman was well rewarded for his application with the highest score of the MCC first innings. John Lever was the most effective member of the Essex attack with 3 for 33 from his 19 overs.

MCC skipper David Gower enterprisingly declared on 235-6 overnight and by lunch, Essex had reached 128-2, with Chris Gladwin (16) and Captain Keith Fletcher (5) the only losses. Graham Gooch and Ken McEwan, showing good early season form, batted spiritedly but with their departures, it became a struggle for the Essex side, who were eventually all out for 210.

By the close of play, MCC had reached 118-3, having once been 45-3. Worryingly for Essex was the injury to Fletcher, who had trod on the ball and suffered a sprained ankle. He was unable to play any further part in the contest and was also forced to miss the next two Championship matches.

Thanks to the profligacy of the Essex fielding, Warwickshire batsman Andy Lloyd, having scored a watchful 60 in his first trip to the middle, completed a century courtesy of three dropped catches, and Gower eventually declared top Essex 241 for victory with 4 hours at their disposal.

The County’s hopes though were soon scuppered. In only the 6th over of the innings, Middlesex fast bowler, Neil Williams (who later in his career played for Essex between 1995-98), took the wickets of Gooch, David East and McEwan to leave the Essex challenge in disarray at 15-3.

Gladwin and Brian Hardie posted a partnership of 62 to temporarily frustrate MCC’s hopes, but the departures of both batsmen before the total moved into three figures handed the initiative firmly to Gower’s side.

Neil Foster and John Lever put on 52 for the 8th wicket until Lever was caught off the bowling of spinner Nick Cook. Foster continued to carve and drive freely and deposited a ball from spinner Chris Smith on to the top tier of the Lord’s Pavilion.

However, when last man David Acfield became Cook’s third victim of the innings, MCC completed victory by 67 runs.

MCC: 235-6 declared – M. Nicholas 76*, A. Lloyd 60, C. Smith 43 & 215-3 declared – A. Lloyd 102*, M. Gatting 75*.

Essex: 210 – G. Gooch 78, K. McEwan 70, N.Williams 4-55 & 173 – C..Gladwin 43, N. Foster 41*, J. Lever 37, B. Hardie 31.

Tuesday 24 March was supposed to be Day One of the Champion County match between the MCC and Essex out in Sri Lanka. However, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the 2020 cricket season has been delayed until at least May 28, with the traditional season curtain-raiser being cancelled in the process.

To mark what should have been the start of our 2020 campaign, we take a look back at what happened last time we participated in the Champion County match in 2018.

In the idyllic setting of the Barbados Oval, Essex faced the MCC after being crowed County Champions for the first time in 25 years. However, Anthony McGrath’s side, who went the entire 2017 season unbeaten in red-ball cricket, were on the receiving end of a comprehensive defeat.

The match was completed in under three days and it was Somerset all-rounder Dom Bess who was the chief architect of the Essex downfall, claiming 8 wickets in total alongside a maiden first-class century.

Opener Nick Browne impressed with a composed 48, but he was to be the sides highest scorer in the first innings with Lawrence, Nijjar, Westley, Lawrence and Foster all getting out after strong starts. After the collapse, Essex were all out for just 187, with Richard Gleeson picking up 5 wickets for 50 runs in the process.

The MCC batting line-up was in fine form and centuries from Sam Hain and Bess saw them pile on the runs. Hain’s unbeaten 140 came from 280 balls and included 17 boundaries, whilst Bess’ 107 came from 108 balls and contained 18 fours. Dan Lawrence picked up 2 wickets for Essex, but with Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter missing from the line-up, the bowlers struggled.

The MCC declared on 404-8, with a lead of 221, but Essex were unable to make them bat again and were out for 187 for the second time in the match. Tom Westley scored 62 whilst Nijjar and Foster made 30 and 29. The collapse saw Bess pick up 6 wickets for 51 runs and Essex defeated by an innings and 34 runs.

Essex Cricket are open for business as usual, with all events taking place as scheduled. In line with advice from NHS England and UK Government, the Club are monitoring information about the coronavirus through the latest official updates.

The Club are promoting the message from NHS England regarding the importance of hand hygiene and thorough cleaning of surfaces, to protect staff and guests. Facilities are provided for all at The Cloudfm County Ground to ensure these guidelines are followed.

We ask visitors to The Cloudfm County Ground to ensure they wash their hands in any of the public toilets within our facilities upon arrival and at regular intervals during your visit.

If you have recently travelled to the UK from countries with a higher risk of coronavirus you should seek medical advice. If you have been to one of these places in the last 14 days, find out what to do using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.

If you are experiencing symptoms (which include a cough, a high temperature or shortness of breath) or have been to any high-risk areas, the Government advice is to call NHS 111, stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately.

Anyone with flu symptoms should avoid the risk of spreading their infection by staying at home and recovering.

The wellbeing of staff and guests of Essex Cricket is the highest priority and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Essex joined the Lord’s Taverners at the House of Lords on Tuesday for the official presentation of the County Championship trophy.

Essex claimed their second Division One title in three seasons last year, after a dramatic title-decider against Somerset at Taunton having lost only one match all year in the competition.

Tom Westley, Club Captain of Essex said: “It’s a privilege to be at the House of Lords with the team and the Championship trophy today. It’s been an amazing year for everyone connected with the Club and it’s a nice way to celebrate the hard work and commitment from the players, coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes.

“I think it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on the amazing work Ryan ten Doeschate did during his captaincy. A lot of the rise that the Club has seen in red-ball cricket has been down to him, and his record as skipper speaks for itself. Without him, we wouldn’t have enjoyed the success we have over the last four years and we most likely wouldn’t be at the House of Lords today.

“2019 was a long and tough campaign, so this is nice way to look back on our achievements and triumphs, but it’s also a reminder for everyone about what we’re fighting for again in 2020.”

This is the 46th year that the County Champions have enjoyed a reception with the Lord’s Taverners since the trophy was introduced for the first time by the charity’s Patron and Twelfth Man, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in 1973. He recognised that until that time, the Champions had never received a physical trophy so decided to introduce one.

Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Australian all-rounder, Moises Henriques, has signed for the duration of the 2020 Vitality Blast campaign.

The 33-year-old will link up with the squad towards the end of May and will be available for any knockout games and Finals Day, should the Eagles progress that far in the competition.

Henriques has played 11 ODIs and 11 T20 internationals for Australia, and has represented franchises all around the world, such as Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash and Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

The all-rounder spent time in England with Glamorgan in 2012 and more recently with Surrey from 2015 to 2017. He averaged exactly 34 for Surrey in T20 cricket, whilst his overall T20 average is 26.58.

Henriques adds a wealth of experience and leadership to Anthony McGrath’s team. He’s the Vice-Captain of New South Wales and has been Captain of Sydney Sixers since 2013, recently skippering the side to their second Big Bash title.

Head Coach McGrath is thrilled to add Henriques to the ranks and said: “I’ve been following Moises’ career for a while now and I think he’s exactly what we need going into this year’s Blast campaign.

“He’s been excellent in the IPL and was instrumental for Sydney Sixers in their recent Big Bash success. His runs got them over the line on plenty of occasions and it’s clear he’s an excellent leader too, so I have no doubt he’ll be a great fit in our dressing room.”

Moises is equally pleased to be heading back to England and said: “I’m delighted to be joining Essex Eagles for the Vitality Blast.

“The opportunity to join the reigning Champions and the challenge of defending the title is something I’m really excited about.”

Eagles fans can secure their seats to watch Moises in action for all 7 games at Chelmsford by purchasing a Season Ticket either online, in person or via phone. To purchase your Season ticket online click here.

Match tickets are already on sale to Members but the opening public ticket priority begins on Monday 02 March for e-news subscribers. Simply sign up to Essex Cricket’s ‘Over & Out!’ e-news for free and you will be able to purchase individual match tickets online before they go on General Sale to the public from Saturday 14 March. In addition, subscribers also receive the latest news from the Club, including ticket information, player news and Essex Cricket Store offers throughout the season.

You can sign up to our ‘Over & Out!’ e-newsletter by clicking here.

Essex Eagles’ Overseas signings are in partnership with Seven Investment Management, the Club’s official Vitality Blast sponsor.

Essex seamer Sam Cook has been called up to the England Lions squad for their final two four-day matches on their tour of Australia.

The 22-year-old was in fine form for Essex last season and took 32 Championship wickets as Anthony McGrath’s side reclaimed the Division One title.

The Chelmsford-born bowler has been playing grade cricket in Melbourne for Prahan Cricket Club and has been called up as cover for the Lions, who have lost some players to injury ahead of the match against Australia A at the MCG, which starts on Saturday.

On his selection, Cook said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be called up to the England Lions.

“I found out a couple of days ago and I’m really excited to join up with the squad and get to work.

“I’m pleased that Dan [Lawrence] is out there as it’s always nice to see a familiar face amongst a crowd. I also went to Loughborough University with James Bracey, so I’m sure they’ll both help me settle in for what should be a good few weeks.”

England Lions fixtures:

Saturday 22 – Tuesday 25 February: Australia A vs England Lions
Sunday 01 – Wednesday 04 March: New South Wales XI v England Lions

Dan Lawrence put in an all-round performance to help England Lions beat Cricket Australia XI at Metricon Stadium to seal the three-match series with a game to spare.

Lawrence took 4 wickets, including 3 in 4 balls, as Cricket Australia XI were bowled out for 179.

Henry Brookes, on Lions debut, dismissed the dangerous Max Bryant for 10 in the third over, with Marcus Harris adding 31 with opener Caleb Jewell before the wickets started tumbling.

Lawrence had Jewell caught behind with the second ball of the 11th over, with Jake Lehmann falling the same way next ball. Brad Hope survived the hat-trick ball only to succumb LBW the very next, leaving the hosts 46-4.

Durham seamer Brydon Carse then struck twice in the 15th over and Lawrence’s fourth left CA XI 76-7.

Xavier Crone’s 66 off 88 balls helped his side to a respectable total, with Carse finishing with 3-17 from 8 overs.

Lawrence then got to business with the bat, and scored a quickfire 35 which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. His innings left England needing 46 runs, which they managed to achieve with 54 balls to spare.

Lawrence said: “It’s great to get another win under our belts in what were quite challenging conditions, with the threat of bad weather meaning we were up against it in our run chase.

“I’m pleased to be able to contribute again with bat and ball. Those first 20 overs with the ball really put us in a good place, and while they came back in the later overs the target was still very manageable.

“These first two wins give us good confidence going into the rest of the one-day series, showing we can perform in all phases of the game and adapting to suit the match situation.”

England Lions play their final match against Cricket Australia XI at Metricon on Thursday before travelling to Sydney for two matches against a NSW XI.

Following on from our Club to County videos last year, Essex star Jamie Porter went back to where it all began for him on Monday.

The Essex bowler visited his old stomping grounds, Gilbert Colvin Primary School and Oaks Park High School, both in Ilford, to speak with the students about working hard in school and his journey so far.

The 26-year-old also took part in some cricket activities and gave the students bowling tips, engaged in a fascinating Q & A session and encouraged the pupils to follow their dreams.

On his trip down memory lane, Porter said: “It’s a real privilege for me to be able to come back to my old schools and speak to the current students about my education and my career to date.

“I loved my time at Gilbert Colvin Primary School and Oaks Park High School, they’re some of the first places I started playing cricket, so it’s great to get the chance to come back and see the places that helped shape my career.

“Hopefully I’ve helped inspire some of the existing students, and if one pupil decides to pick up a cricket bat after speaking to me and start playing, then it’s been a successful visit in my opinion.”

Mr Wood, a teacher at Oaks Park High School added: “It’s fantastic to have Jamie down here today.

“As a former pupil, it’s really inspirational for the kids here today to see what a student from Oaks Park High School can go on to achieve.”