With the current spell of very hot weather set to continue for the next week, a quick reminder on how to keep players and spectators safe whilst playing and watching cricket.
Sun protection guidelines for those participating, spectating or working in sport or outdoor recreation. The following specific tips and advice have been developed with the help of the England & Wales Cricket Board.
• Apply a broad-spectrum product with an SPF 30 or higher, paying special attention to your ears and nose and any other exposed areas prone to burning.
• Using a sunscreen applicator, stick, or cleaning palms with a small towel and alcohol gel, is a good way to avoid a greasy grip whilst playing.
• Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are prone to excessive sweating, or playing hard!
• Remember to wear a cap, and when fielding a brimmed hat which offers greater protection.
• After the batting helmet comes off, remember to reapply sunscreen (it will be wiped off) and top off with a wide-brim hat.
• Fielding but the sun is in your eye? Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep your eyes safe from all angles.
• Wear light clothing that protects arms and legs. Consider flipping the collar up on tops for added protection, and using sun sleeves which provide flexibility when pitching and bowling.
• The sun is strongest between 11 am and 3 pm so, if possible, look to play/train outside of these hours, particularly on clear, sunny days.
• Get into the habit of applying sunscreen before you start an outdoor activity.
• Whilst spectating or waiting for play do so in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight.
• Consider setting up gazebos to protect your team if there is no natural shade available
EXTREME HOT WEATHER
Coaches and managers have a Duty of Care with Under 18’s playing in youth fixtures or open-age cricket, and they should consider the guidance below.
Hydration
• Ensure that there are regular drinks breaks; it is suggested ten overs maximum between drinks, which, when possible, are taken in the shade.
• All under 18 will wear helmets when batting or standing up, keeping wicket. Umpires should regularly check for signs of overheating and, where necessary, have additional drinks breaks. A wicket-keeper could be wearing a helmet for their entire game.
• Encourage all to wear long-sleeved shirts with collars up and a floppy hat rather than baseball-style caps.
• Advise youngsters not to play casual cricket before a match or between innings. They should be encouraged to wait in the shade.
• Sun blocker/creams should be provided by parents/carers and have spare available to top up. A minimum SPF 30 blocker should be applied liberally to all exposed areas with special attention to ears and noses by parents. Parents must be consulted to ensure there is no risk of an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to any product.
Playing Regulations
If you cannot move the date or starting time when the sun is strongest, consider:
• Using smaller boundaries
• Decrease the number of overs bowled.
• Playing 12 or 13 aside to enable rotation.
• Ensure batting side wait in shade during game
Next Thursday sees the return of International cricket to Chelmsford as England take on South Africa in the opening Vitality Women’s IT20 of a three-match series.
The game, which will get underway at 7pm, is the first International cricket at Chelmsford since England took on New Zealand in a WIT20 last September.
England have a spectacular record at Chelmsford, having won 10 of the 11 T20s they’ve played at the ground, and that continued last year as they recorded comfortable victories against both India and New Zealand.
Last year’s fixtures were played in front of packed crowds and were also televised on Sky Sports and the BBC as both Chelmsford fixtures broke viewership records.
Tickets for next Thursday’s fixture are available to Adults for £20 and Juniors for £10, while Essex County Cricket Club Members can also purchase tickets for £10.
England’s last time at Chelmsford
Result: England won by 46 runs
A batting showpiece by Tammy Beaumont led England to an emphatic 46-run victory over New Zealand in their opening WIT20 at Chelmsford.
Beaumont scored 97 off 65 balls and, assisted by a neat cameo from Amy Jones, hit New Zealand to all corners of the ground as England entertained the noisy Chelmsford crowd in reaching a lofty 184 for 4.
Tash Farrant struck with her fourth ball – the 10th of the run-chase – to remove Sophie Devine. And when Brunt dismissed Suzie Bates in the next over, the reformation of New Zealand’s powerful top order was short-lived and the target looked close to insurmountable.
Amy Satterthwaite did her best to keep New Zealand afloat with a fighting 43 off 31 but when Brunt had her caught by Mady Villiers in the deep, they were six wickets down and still more than 100 runs adrift.
Aspers Stratford don’t like cricket, they LOVE it!
To celebrate a week of England vs India One-Day Internationals, join Aspers Stratford for 6 days of cricket action, entertainment, 5-star prizes & special guests…
Running from Tuesday 12th till Sunday 17th July:
Day 1 – 1st England vs India ODI plus live Bollywood dancers between 7 and 10pm
Day 2 – Free Indian buffet from 6.30pm
Day 3 – 2nd ODI & prize draw at 7pm to WIN VIP tickets to 3rd England vs India ODI
Day 4 – Exclusive Q&A vent at 7pm with Ravi Bopara!
Day 5 – Show off your cricket skills between 5 and 11pm
Day 6 – 3rd ODI & prize draw at 7pm to WIN VIP tickets to England vs South Africa Test Match
Event Details:
From 7pm on Friday 15th July – Enjoy an exclusive Q&A event with Ravi Bopara, hosted by Sky Sports’ very own James Green. You’ll hear all about Ravi’s first-class career and have a chance to pose your own question to the ex-England International.
WIN VIP cricket tickets – Pick up a daily prize draw entry at Aspers Stratford for your chance to WIN one of two amazing cricket experiences…
Thursday 14th July, 7pm – WIN a trip for 4 to the 3rd England vs India ODI at Old Trafford. You’ll enjoy two nights’ accommodation, hospitality tickets, complimentary drinks, afternoon tea, match day programme, a cricket legend Q&A and more!
Sunday 17th July, 7pm – WIN hospitality tickets for you and three friends to the England vs South Africa final test! You’ll be treated to premium seating, a visit from a cricket legend, Champagne reception, complimentary drinks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and more!
Head to Aspers Stratford from 12th to 17th July and you’ll be bowled over!
Find out more about the amazing festival line-up here.
Supporters can get free admission for Day Three’s play against Gloucestershire at The Cloud County Ground.
Essex require four wickets to seal the victory on Wednesday with the visitors trailing by 34 runs and we hope you’re able to join us for another scorcher of a day.
Spectators who purchased tickets for the day in advance will receive a refund back to the payment card.
IF you have any queries or questions, then please get in touch with the Club’s Membership & Ticketing Office via [email protected].
We are pleased to announce the three-year extension of our Club Partnership with Scrutton Bland. With their head office based in Colchester, the accountancy & insurance firm have expanded greatly since their establishment in 1990.
Scrutton Bland’s focus on client care, community spirit and wealth of experience in their field has made for an incredibly fruitful partnership. With their values aligning closely with ours, it has been a real pleasure to host Scrutton Bland and their guests across the seasons.
John Stephenson, Chief Executive & Interim Chair for Essex Cricket said:
“It’s been a pleasure to watch the relationship between Scrutton Bland and the Club grow over the years. They have undoubtedly become part of the community here in Chelmsford and have supported the Club through multiple successes on and off the pitch.
By sponsoring our Premier Suite, their staff, peers and guests can always enjoy the best seats in the house.”
Elizabeth O’Hanlon, Marketing Director at Scrutton Bland, said:
“We are delighted to be extending our long-standing partnership with Essex Cricket for a further three years. Since becoming partners with them in 2016 we have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing first-hand the on-field success and countless trophies.
Our partnership provides us with an array of benefits including entertaining clients in The Scrutton Bland Premier Suite and enables us to be further embedded into the community we serve.
As a long-standing partner of Essex Cricket we look forward to the next few seasons and bringing to life the services we offer at Scrutton Bland. We truly value the work the club do in the community and the players’ dedication and commitment to the sport, we recognise and empathise with the hard work needed to achieve success.”
About Scrutton Bland:
From early beginnings in 1990, Alfred Scrutton and Frank Bland made the bold decision to merge their respective accountancy and insurance firms together to create Scrutton Bland.
Whilst their head office remains in Colchester the business have now expanded to new locations in Cambridge and Ipswich.
Scrutton Bland can help your business become more efficient, profitable, compliant and set it on a path to greater success. They will apply the same focus to your personal finances to help you build security and growth for the rest of your life.
To find out more about how Scrutton Bland can support you or your business, please visit www.scruttonbland.co.uk
The Cloud County Ground, Monday 11 – Thursday 14 July
Team News:
Essex: Nick Browne, Alastair Cook, Tom Westley (c), Dan Lawrence, Matt Critchley, Paul Walter, Adam Rossington (wk), Simon Harmer, Shane Snater, Aaron Beard, Jamie Porter.
Gloucestershire: Chris Dent, Marcus Harris, Ryan Higgins, James Bracey (wk), Miles Hammond, Graeme van Buuren (c), Ollie Price, Tom Price, Zafar Gohar, Matt Taylor, Josh Shaw.
Match Details:
Umpires: Paul Baldwin & Paul Pollard Match Referee: Dean Cosker Toss: Gloucestershire, who elected to bat Result: Essex won by 9 wickets
Simon Harmer produced another scintillating demonstration of spin bowling in Gloucestershire’s second innings returning 8/112 and match figures of 13/156 as Essex beat Gloucestershire by 9 wickets inside 3 days at Chelmsford.
The victory earned Tom Westley’s side 22 points with Gloucestershire collecting just 2 points.
Zafar Gohar was the standout player for the visitors and played a bit part in them reaching 252 in their second innings before being bowled out for 81. His knock contained 13 boundaries, with 3 of them clearing the ropes.
His efforts left Essex requiring 78 runs to win and although Alastair Cook went for 9, Nick Browne and Westley saw their side safely across the line with an undefeated 64-run stand.
Harmer’s performance was again the talking point. It was the 5th time he captured 8 wickets in an innings for Essex, with his tally for the season now standing at 40 victims.
Gloucestershire began the day on 140-6, still trailing by 34 runs, and with only 4 second wickets intact after Harmer had captured 5 the previous evening.
Ollie Price, who had played Harmer nicely the previous day resumed on 42 with Zafar Gohar, but the partnership failed to last beyond the ninth ball of the day.
6 runs had been scored when Jamie Porter castled Price, who was on 43, with his third delivery of the morning.
Brother Tom Price continued the aggressive approach against Harmer to briefly prosper. He struck 2 sixes and 2 fours in an over, the second of which erased his side’s overall deficit but Harmer always has the last word.
With his next delivery, he persuaded Price, on 23, to attempt to go large once more, a terminal move for the batter as Matt Critchley took the catch at deep long-on.
Zafar though flashed his bat to good effect. A maximum against Critchley’s leg-spin brought him to a 53-ball half-century and 2 sixes from the bowler’s next over posted a half-century stand with Matt Taylor whose contribution was 8.
Having been the architect of a 65 run-stand in 10 overs and helped carry the score to 244, the dominant Zafar was finally deceived by Harmer in flight and was stumped before the South African wrapped up the innings 5 balls later.
Essex had Cook to thank for their defining first-innings lead of 174 runs. The former England Captain and opener scored 145 after occupying the crease for almost 8 hours, but second time around he was bowled by Higgnis for 9.
His opening partner Browne was joined by Westley, and the pair scored the 64 runs required for victory inside 13 overs to secure 22 points for their side.
Day Two Highlights:
Day Two Reaction: Simon Harmer
Day Two Match Report:
Alastair Cook and Simon Harmer combined to leave Essex on the cusp of victory in their LV= Insurance County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Chelmsford.
Cook recorded his 4th century of the season on his way to 145 out of Essex’s 310 all out before Harmer bagged 5/51 to follow up his first-innings 5/44.
Cook occupied the crease for almost seven hours as Essex built a first-innings lead and with skipper Tom Westley, who scored 90, put on a second-wicket partnership of 196 to bat Gloucestershire out of the game.
Trailing by 174 runs, Gloucestershire were defeated by Harmer’s accuracy and variation after being introduced in the 6th over. By the close, he had almost single-handedly bowled the visitors to the brink of defeat.
Ollie Price finished the day on 42 and will resume with Zafar Gohar on 10, but the winless Gloucestershire look set for another loss.
Harmer’s first victim came in his third over when Marcus Harris was bowled and four balls later, he had Ryan Higgins well caught by Nick Browne at short leg for a duck to leave the visitors 26 for 2
Chris Dent batted resolutely but saw Miles Hammond and James Bracey fall to Harmera at the other end. Hammond was bowled when he played back and was defeated by the spin before James Bracey reached forward and was stumped.
Then Dent himself fell, also to Harmer, for 33. He was trapped leg before on the back pad to give Harmer his tenth wicket of the match.
Earlier in the day, Alastair Cook and skipper Tom Westley had made serene progress during the morning session when they resumed on 127-1, just 9 runs adrift of their opponents.
With the 15th delivery of the day, a boundary by Westley moved Essex into credit and he and Cook increased the advantage with a series of nicely-timed and well-directed drives.
Westley’s penchant for leg-side strokes complemented the classic cover driving and square cuts executed by Cook as the partnership flourished.
Westley looked set to complete a century and it came as a surprise to everyone when Tom Price produced a beautiful delivery out of nowhere that left him to clip the top of off.
Cook arrived at three figures with his 12th boundary having faced 236 deliveries steering the ball backward of square on the off to earn a standing ovation from the crowd.
Shortly after, the impressive Price struck again. Dan Lawrence was caught at short mid-wicket off an intended pull to give the paceman figures of 3 for 47 as Essex arrived at lunch on 222 for 3 and a lead of 86 runs.
Cook continued relentlessly, but wickets began to fall regularly at the other end as left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar began to enjoy himself. He bowled a spell of 3/7 before Ryan Higgins tempted Cook outside off stump and found the edge.
Adam Rossington clubbed a couple of sixes to secure a third batting point for Essex before Zafar added two more wickets to return figures of 5/84, his fourth 5-wicket haul for the county.
Day One Highlights:
Day One Reaction: Tom Westley
Day One Match Report:
Simon Harmer, with figures of 5/44, was the architect of Gloucestershire’s batting woes as they were bowled out for 136 having won the toss.
After Harmer had tortured the visitors on a scorching hot day at Chelmsford, Alastair Cook and Tom Westley carried Essex to 127-1 at the close with Cook posting a 126-ball half-century.
Only Graeme van Buuren and Zafar Gohar looked settled in the Gloucestershire first innings, which concluded 40 minutes after Lunch.
Then Cook and Westley demonstrated the value of disciplined graft with a century stand spanning 256 balls with Westley completing a 146-ball fifty shortly before the close.
By Lunch the visitors, who are still seeking their first LV= Insurance County Championship win of the summer, had lost their top-five runs getters in red-ball cricket this season as they stumbled to 104-6 at the break.
Although new ball bowler Sam Cook was away on England Lions duty, Jamie Porter ensured a flying start for the home side striking twice in his first 4 overs to remove the opening pair of Marcus Harris and Chris Dent for single-figure scores before the sight of Simon Harmer striding in to start his bowling spell from his customary River End served to increase Gloucestershire’s concerns.
The match was only 40 minutes old when the South African took the ball for the 10th over of the innings. After 2 overs, his concerns regarding the shape of the ball were acknowledged by the umpires. Harmer himself jogged to the boundary, retrieved the bag of alternative replacements and after handing it to the officials, was handed a replacement cherry.
Finding it immediately to his liking, he took the first of his 5 wickets when Ryan Higgins slapped him straight to long-on. Without addition, Miles Hammond, who had just moved into double figures, offered no stroke to an Aaron Beard delivery that clipped off bail to leave the visitors 37-4.
James Bracey and Graeme van Buuren doubled the score but the threat of Harmer’s canny variations of flight and length were always looming large.
Having scored 12, Bracey was pushed onto the back foot and edged to wicket-keeper Adam Rossington and the same Essex combination teamed up to dismiss Ollie Price who was stumped.
Seven balls after Lunch, the visitor’s troubles continued when van Buuren, who had been functionally effective in advancing to 34 from 37 balls set off for a single and was stranded at the non-striker’s end where he found Zafar Gohar a stationary onlooker.
Gohar drove effectively for an unbeaten 29 but Harmer rounded of the innings with 2 of the last 3 wickets taking his tally to 340 first-class wickets for Essex. It was the 27th time he has returned 5 wickets or more in an innings for the side since joining in 2017.
LV= Insurance County Championship
The Cloud County Ground
Monday 11 – Thursday 14 July
11am start
The LV= Insurance County Championship returns following the conclusion of this year’s Vitality Blast campaign. Essex have an opportunity to bounce back from the disappointing result at Emirates Old Trafford with the visit of Gloucestershire to The Cloud County Ground.
Tom Westley’s men will be looking to make it three successive victories in the competition after overcoming Lancashire and Hampshire.
The 12-run win over Hampshire was the third win of the season and it was Simon Harmer who again played an instrumental role. His match figures of 15/207 were a career-best and he was duly supported by Aaron Beard who made his first Championship appearance of the season, taking 3/52 in Hampshire’s second innings.
Squad:
This next block of Championship games includes three matches in July before the Royal London Cup gets underway next month. There is a welcomed return for Nick Browne and the team’s leading Championship run-scorer, Alastair Cook who has 504 runs and averaging 45.81.
Matt Critchley and Jamie Porter also return to the squad after injury with the former featuring against Lancashire Lightning on Friday.
Sam Cook is the only notable absentee from the squad after being called up for the England Lions’ two 50-over matches against South Africa this week.
The Opposition:
Gloucestershire have endured a difficult return to Division One cricket and are still looking for a first victory.
The West Country side recorded a draw last time out against Lancashire, which included a century from their leading run-scorer, Chris Dent. The opening batter has 508 runs to his name so far this season and has reached three figures on two occasions.
The Gloucestershire bowling attack includes all-rounder, Ryan Higgins who has taken 19 wickets in the competition. He recorded his best figures of 4/68 against Northamptonshire in April, where he also struck 134 not out.
David Payne and Benny Howell join Sam Cook in the England Lions squad, so will not be available for selection.
Gloucestershire squad: Graeme van Buuren (c), James Bracey, Chris Dent, Zafar Gohar, Dominic Goodman, Miles Hammond, Marcus Harris, Ryan Higgins, Ollie Price, Tom Price, George Scott, Josh Shaw, Jack Taylor, Matt Taylor.
Last time out:
The two sides last faced each other in 2021 after both sides had to settle for Division Two cricket in the latter stages of the season. Essex dominated proceedings at Chelmsford, beating Gloucestershire by an innings and 3 runs.
Jamie Porter took 4/32, with three wickets apiece for Sam Cook and Simon Harmer to bowl Gloucestershire out for 76.
In reply, Paul Walter struck 96 as Essex posted 276 and a first-innings lead of 200 runs. A further four wickets from Simon Harmer in the visitors’ second innings guided Essex to a comfortable win.
How To Watch:
Our live stream service will be available across all four days of this game and you can join us from 10:20am on Day One to watch the news from the toss. The Essex Cricket Matchzone is also free to view, which includes player stats, scorecards and clips throughout the match.
The broadcast can be accessed via the Essex Cricket Matchzone here.
We welcome red-ball cricket to Chelmsford on Monday for the first of three LV= Insurance County Championship games in July. Essex are looking to make in three successive victories in the competition but come up against a Gloucestershire side who will be fighting for a first win in this year’s competition.
Gates Opening Times:
From 10am via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate which is the closest entrance from Chelmsford City Centre and Chelmsford Bus/Train Stations.
Scheduled Hours of Play:
Toss (Day One): 10:30am
Morning Session: 11am-1pm
Afternoon Session: 1:40pm-3:40pm
Evening Session: 4pm-6pm
Scheduled Close of Play: 6pm
Members Entry & Matchday Tickets:
The LV= Insurance County Championship is part of the 2022 Membership and Members are required to scan their card on the gate.
We encourage supporters to purchase tickets in advance of the game to speed up your entry into the ground and also to save you money with reduced-priced tickets available at £13 Adults, £10 Students/Young Adults (18-25) and £5 Juniors (U18s).
These can be bought online via the following link or alternatively by phone (01245 254010)/in person at The Cloud County Ground.
Tickets will also be available on the gates from 10am each day and this is strictly card sales only. Post-lunch tickets are available priced at £10 Adults, with entry free of charge after the scheduled Tea break.
Matchday Purchases:
The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, which includes purchasing tickets on the gates, scorecards on the gates, and on food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas. Find out more – here
Please note that the Essex Cricket Store is the only location on-site which accepts cash payments.
Scorecards will be available using contactless payment on the entry gates priced at £1, however cash sales will be accepted in the Essex Cricket Store if required.
Accessibility:
Accessible parking:
Spaces are located at The Cloud County Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating can be found in the Hayes Close End of the ground with a wheelchair-accessible platform located in Block One of the Tom Pearce Stand.
Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge. 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 scorecard (Red Area), rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion (Blue Area) and adjacent to Block 25 at County Corner (Green Area).
Ahead of Your Visit:
We want to make sure supporters are all set ahead of visiting the ground. COVID-19 safety measures have been removed for the 2022 season but spectators are welcome to wear facemasks in the seated areas and whilst walking around the concourse if they choose.
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 or from our automated phone line on 01245 254049.
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 across all four days and closes at 10pm on Monday-Wednesday and 6pm on Sunday.
• Meteor Way will be open for Members and open three hours before the start of play and on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 42 and 100, which are operated by First Group, 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.
Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid Membership card and accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.
• Members are not required to pre-book a match ticket and can enter by scanning their Membership card on the gate. If you require a replacement card, please get in contact with the Membership & Ticketing Office before the fixture to arrange a replacement or this may cause delays on entry for you and other spectators.
• Entry to this fixture are included in 2022 Membership and encourage Members to arrive in plenty of time to secure your seat. All seating for Championship games is Unallocated and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The Members’ seated areas are located in the Doug Insole Pavilion Benches, Tom Pearce Stand, and Areas 1-14 in the River End of the ground. Members are also welcome to sit in Block 30 & 31, which is accessible via the Hayes Close 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.
• Ticket holders for this game are welcome to sit in the Unallocated Areas numbered 15-26, which includes covered seating in Areas 22-24.
• 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.
Around the Ground:
• Spectators are welcome to enter the pitch during the lunch & tea breaks when instructed over PA or by a member of the Club’s stewarding team. Please follow the guidance to the specific areas permitted to enter and please respect the playing surface. We encourage spectators to play on the outfield but please use softballs.
• 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.
• The Peter Edwards Museum & Library is located on-site adjacent to the Essex Cricket Store and will be open for the duration of the game.
• 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 ‘CROWD’ including your stand and issue to 60066.
Food & Drink:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members back 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.
• The Members’ £10.00 meal deal returns for 2022 which includes a one-course hot meal and drink of your choice (up to the value of £5). This can be purchased in the Doug Insole Pavilion with meals served 30 minutes before the lunch break.
• Anne’s Pantry will be offering a choice of home-cooked meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located in the Hayes Close End and River End.
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 can bring food and drink into the ground for this fixture. A limit of four cans of beer/lager or one bottle of wine per person but there’s strictly no glass or sharp objects permitted into the ground.
• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is now a cashless ground for 2022, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.
Leaving the Ground:
At the conclusion of the day’s play, we ask spectators to 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 The Action On the Move
Our Live Stream returns for the 2022 season with multi-angled ball tracking, replays and commentary courtesy of BBC Essex. Head to the Essex Cricket Matchzone to watch the action live ahead of the toss on Day One, plus view an interactive scorecard, stats and individual match clips.
Lancashire Lightning: Phil Salt (wk), Keaton Jennings, Steven Croft, Dane Vilas (c), Tim David, Rob Jones, Luke Wells, Danny Lamb, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley, Tom Bailey.
Essex Eagles: Adam Rossington (wk), Matt Critchley, Michael Pepper, Dan Lawrence, Paul Walter, Tom Westley, Daniel Sams, Simon Harmer (c), Aaron Beard, Ben Allison, Sam Cook.
Match Details:
Umpires: Nigel Llong, Ian Blackwell & Neil Bainton Match Referee: Will Smith Toss: Essex Eagles, who elected to bat Result: Lancashire Lightning win by 7 wickets
Essex Eagles’ Vitality Blast campaign concluded at the Quater-Final stages on Friday night, Lancashire Lightning chasing down 162 with 7 wickets in hand to progress to Finals Day.
A 10,800-strong crowd watched Steven Croft secure the host’s record-equalling 9th Finals Day appearance alongside Hampshire Hawks with a brilliant unbeaten 76 off 48 balls, including 4 sixes.
This game saw the Eagles make 161-5 on a slowish pitch, with Michael Pepper top-scoring with 36 from 28, supported by an unbeaten 34 from Paul Walter.
Adam Rossington hit 2 fours and a six over long-on off Tom Hartley’s spin as 15 came off the 3rd over, with the Eagles 29-0 after 18 balls.
He was then brilliantly caught for 25 by a diving Tim David at deep midwicket off Luke Wood, leaving Simon Harmer’s side 43-1 in the 5th.
Pepper was caught behind by Salt in the 5th over on 0, only to successfully review, before Matt Critchley was caught at cover off Danny Lamb.
It was even-stevens at 53-2 after 6 overs, but every time you felt the Eagles were getting on top, the hosts struck.
The departure of Lawrence, smartly caught by mid-on by David for 15, was an example.
But the 13th over brought the prime example when Pepper swept Hartley for six to take the side beyond 100 before falling stumped by Salt next ball, with the Eagles 101-4.
Salt was at it again a couple of overs later, with some sharp work getting Tom Westley stumped off Luke Wells’ leg-spin. The hosts were now on top as the Eagles fell to 112-5 in the 15th.
Harmer’s side were revived by an unbroken 49 stand for the 6th-wicket between Paul Walter and Dan Sams, who shared 3 sixes to push the side just beyond 160.
Walter finished 34 not out and Sams 25 as Lancashire’s trio of seamers – Tom Bailey, Lamb and Wood – went for 28 apiece. Wood was the pick with 2 wickets.
The Lightning response got off to an unfortunate start when, 6 balls in, Keaton Jennings was run out backing up without facing following a Sam Cook deflection (6-1).
But Salt and Croft were quickly into rhythm to turn the game decisively with a 73-run partnership inside 8 overs.
19 runs came off the 3rd over, including back-to-back Croft sixes against Sams’ left-arm seam straight and over third.
The powerful ball-striking from the hosts continued as the powerplay ended at 61-1.
By the time Croft, strong all around the wicket, reached his 50 off 32 balls, Lightning were 77-1 in the 9th over.
Salt (27) was then victim of a superb relay catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary off Critchley’s leg-spin, Pepper the initial fielder throwing it to Allison before stepping on the rope. 79-2 in the 9th.
Captain Vilas then played support to Croft as the pair rubber-stamped a 15th game unbeaten on home turf for the hosts.
He slog-swept 2 sixes off Critchley over midwicket to race to 35 off 14 balls. By that time, the score was 134-2 with 28 needed off 7 overs.
Vilas went on to reach his 50 off just 22 balls, but fell to Simon Harmer with 5 needed.
It was down to Tim David to hit the winning runs, with the hosts winning by 7 wickets and reaching their target in 15.4 overs.
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