Essex Cricket are delighted to announce the four-year extension of our partnership with D&B Scaffolding as the Club’s Principal Shirt Sponsor for red-ball cricket. With their head office & yard facility based in Chelmsford, the scaffolding company partnered with Essex Cricket in 2016.
The partnership has Essex win two County Championship titles in 2017 and 2019, two Division Two titles and the Bob Willis Trophy across the seven seasons. We are pleased they have decided to extend their journey with us and continue to support Essex Cricket both on and off the pitch.
John Stephenson, Chief Executive & Interim Chair for Essex Cricket said:
“The Club is extremely proud to display D&B Scaffolding as our front of shirt sponsor for the LV= Insurance County Championship. We look forward to working with Gerry, Ross and the team over the next four years to achieve even greater success together.”
Ross Scotney, Managing Director of D&B Scaffolding said:
“We are thrilled to be extending our partnership with Essex Cricket for a further four years, taking our support for the Club as an LV= Insurance County Championship shirt sponsor up to a decade.
“We are very much looking forward to this season and seeing crowds return in full to The Cloud County Ground. Our long-term association with the county provides huge pride to everyone connected to D&B Scaffolding. The success that Essex has enjoyed in recent seasons has brought a huge amount of pleasure for all.”
About D&B Scaffolding:
Based in Chelmsford, D&B Scaffolding work on a variety of projects throughout the South East of England for multiple leading housing developers.
Their high-quality, reliable and above all safe working standards have earned them an outstanding reputation. They have also recently expanded with a northern division purpose-built facility in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire.
To find out more about how D&B could help your property or business, please visit www.dbscaffolding.co.uk
The Cloud County Ground, Sunday 26 – Wednesday 29 June
Team News:
Essex: Nick Browne, Alastair Cook, Tom Westley (c), Dan Lawrence, Paul Walter, Michael Pepper, Adam Rossington (wk), Simon Harmer, Shane Snater, Aaron Beard, Sam Cook.
Hampshire: Felix Organ, Ian Holland, Nick Gubbins, James Vince (c), Liam Dawson, Ben Brown (wk), Aneurin Donald, Keith Barker, James Fuller, Kyle Abbott, Brad Wheal.
Match Details:
Umpires: Chris Watts & Martin Saggers Match Referee: Peter Such Toss: Essex, who elected to bat Result: Essex win by 12 runs
Simon Harmer returned his best first-class match haul as Essex stunted Hampshire’s LV= Insurance County Championship charge in a three-day thriller.
Off-spinner Harmer, who bowled unchanged on Day Three, claimed 7/161 to go alongside his 8/46 in the first innings to return 15/207.
Hampshire, who were only 3 points behind leaders Surrey ahead of the match, were only 12 runs shy of victory after Felix Organ’s 65, and contributions from Ian Holland, Ben Brown, Aneurin Donald, Keith Barker and Kyle Abbott got them unbelievably close to their 299-run target.
Hampshire still haven’t won at Chelmsford since 2012 and had lost their last 3 matches on the ground by an innings.
Harmer had only taken 12 Championship wickets before this match this season, with only 2 coming on home wickets. A return to a spicier pitch benefitted him and handed Essex their first home red-ball win of the year.
But since Harmer arrived in 2017, Essex have only lost 3 home matches, with the only successful fourth-innings chase coming when Surrey needed just 2.
The South African was frustrated initially as Organ and Holland played with a decent tempo to keep eating into the 299-run target. Organ had already smashed Harmer over mid-wicket for 3 sixes the previous evening, and sailed another 2 over the dressing room as he found a way to deal with the turn and bounce.
He reached his second half-century of the season with a carved boundary behind point off 67 balls. However many times you hit Harmer over the boundary he will win the battle in the end, and thus it proved as Organ was bowled going back to the spinner. The opening stand worth 97, the highest of the match.
Hampshire were somewhat miffed as replacement balls meant a steady stream of harder balls, with Essex benefiting from the ball going softer the previous afternoon when Adam Rossington and Harmer were scoring freely.
And it was after a delay discussing the ball situation that wickets began to fall.
James Fuller had been promoted from No.9 to No.3 and at slightly better than run-a-ball he made 18, which included another six over midwicket. But he guided Aaron Beard to second slip to break the run of 19 straight wickets falling to spin.
Holland had bedded in by facing 95 balls and looked relatively comfortable before turning Harmer to short leg, and Nick Gubbins and James Vince made the fatal decision to go back to Harmer to fall lbw and bowled respectively.
In between the Harmer scalps, Beard picked up his second on his first red-ball appearance for Essex since 2020 as Liam Dawson was adjudged to have edged behind.
Hampshire had lost 6 wickets for 65 runs, and thanks to Donald’s slogging a 46-run partnership with Ben Brown to give the visitors a sliver of hope again.
But Harmer had Donald castled while going back to cut, in almost identical fashion to Organ earlier, and Brown leg before while coming around the wicket.
Abbott and Barker gave a nervy feeling to proceedings as they hit 41 with very little resistance. Abbott was leg before giving Beard his third.
Barker and last man Brad Wheal put on 32 as an unlikely victory edged closer but Barker picked out long-on to fall for 42 and give Harmer his career-best red-ball figures.
Day Two Highlights
Day Two Reaction: Adam Rossington
Day Two Match Report:
Simon Harmer tormented Hampshire with bat and ball as Essex racked up a decent advantage in the LV= Insurance County Championship fixture.
South African Harmer claimed 8/46 – the best figures by anyone so far in the 2022 Championship – to condemn Hampshire to a 75-run deficit after the first innings.
He then totted up 61 to go alongside Adam Rossington’s 60 to ease Essex away from 51-5 and to set Hampshire a target of 299, taken down to 264 by the close.
Across the three innings, all 14 wickets in the day fell to spin bowling – with Liam Dawson picking up his best Hampshire figures of 7/68 and Felix Organ 3/57 on a turning pitch.
Harmer, who began the day with 4/23, unsurprisingly began from The River End and bowled 15 balls before he added his 25th five-wicket haul for Essex – bowling a reverse sweeping Keith Barker around his legs.
Hampshire’s approach seemed to be to score their way out of trouble. Barker had struck 2 fours and a six off Harmer alone and Kyle Abbott would thrash 3 sixes in a 23-run over off Dan Lawrence. A total of 95 runs were scored in 55 minutes, but Harmer was constantly taking wickets.
James Fuller screwed to cover, Ben Brown – following a punchy 38 – was caught behind and Abbott was caught at deep midwicket as Hampshire were bowled out for 163, with Harmer mimicking his figures from the previous evening. He now has over 200 first-class wickets at
The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford since joining in 2017.
Spin continued to be the way forward as Hampshire turned to Organ and Dawson in the fifth and sixth overs. Organ initially did the damage as he had a driving Alastair Cook caught at first slip and Tom Westley brilliantly caught at short leg with his fifth and sixth deliveries.
Dawson had Dan Lawrence lbw to a full ball on the stroke of Lunch before Paul Walter and Michael Pepper came and went after the interval – the former leg before to Organ and the latter reversing Dawson to point.
Hampshire looked on a roll and Essex in trouble, but Browne and Rossington’s contrasting styles navigated the hosts back to a strong position. Browne was resolute, while Rossington’s assertiveness was best typified by dispatching his second delivery for six.
Both helped to soften the ball and make batting easier, as the bounce and turn started to be nullified, in a 54-run partnership – with Rossington contributing 42 of them.
Browne fell for a 98-ball 33 when he turned Dawson to leg slip, the lead on 180 before Harmer entered to show off his batting prowess. He and Rossington added 47 more runs.
Rossington stamped his authority and his half-century came in 52 balls, although he fell for 60 when he chipped to mid-off.
Harmer added a further 34 with Shane Snater before the Dutch international splintered to midwicket to give Dawson his fifth wicket – only the fifth 5-wicket haul of his first-class career.
Harmer moved to his 82-ball half-century with a six into The Hayes Close gardens before he and Sam Cook fell to successive balls to give Dawson the second 7-wicket return of his career. In doing so he became the first spin bowler not called Harmer to take a 5-wicket haul at Chelmsford since Gareth Batty in 2014.
In 13 overs, Organ lifted Harmer out of the ground twice as Hampshire reached 35 without loss by stumps.
Day One Highlights
Day One Reaction: Shane Snater
Day One Match Report:
Simon Harmer spun 4 evening wickets to entangle Hampshire after Shane Snater’s 71 had dug Essex out of a hole in their LV= Insurance County Championship clash.
All-rounder Snater became Essex’s third-highest Championship run-scorer and recorded his third half-century this season to help Essex recover from 105-7 to 238 all out.
Harmer entered, after Sam Cook nabbed the openers, to bamboozle Hampshire’s batters on a spinning wicket with 4/23 to see the visitors slump to 68-6 at the close.
Harmer had found wickets hard to come by at Chelmsford this season, but this a vintage Harmer performance with the South African dominating the opposition batters.
Kyle Abbott and Keith Barker, in particular, found good bounce off a length, while Liam Dawson and Harmer got good turn.
It was the reliable Sam Cook who made the breakthrough and Organ was his first victim, edging to Alastair Cook at first slip. He followed this up by claiming the wicket of Holland, who was trapped leg before with the visitors on 33-2.
Harmer was then introduced from The River End in the eighth over and he had a wicket within 7 balls. The only surprising aspect was the manner of the wicket as James Vince danced down, missed the ball and was stumped.
10 balls later, Dawson dabbed towards short leg but it sat up for wicket-keeper Rossington to grab. Soon after, Nick Gubbins’ otherwise spritely 34 ended when he edged to second slip, Hampshire slipping to 55-5, almost mirroring the 56-5 earlier in the day.
Aneurin Donald edged his next delivery to short leg, and Barker just about survived a hat-trick ball. Ben Brown and Barker batted out the final 29 balls of the day.
Earlier, after Essex had chosen to bat, Nick Browne was bowled on the angle by Abbott for a 14-ball duck, Alastair Cook pushed Barker to third slip and Dan Lawrence was lbw to Brad Wheal to leave Essex 17-3.
Tom Westley held things together with a leg-side dominant 46 and partnerships of 40 with Paul Walter and 47 with Adam Rossington, with Walter and Michael Pepper falling within 3 Ian Holland balls.
Rossington and Westley also fell in quick succession, bowled by an Abbott ripper and lbw to Dawson, respectively, to leave the hosts 105-7.
Snater was then introduced, and the Essex batter followed on from his strong batting performances earlier in the season by cutting and hooking the Hampshire bowlers all over Chelmsford.
His 50 came in 47 balls while putting on 59 with Harmer, 58 with Aaron Beard, and after he had lifted to 71, the final two put on 16; in total the final 3 wickets were worth an invaluable 133 runs.
LV= Insurance County Championship
The Cloud County Ground
Sunday 26 – Wednesday 29 May
11am start
With the Vitality Blast group stages coming towards a close and the Eagles hopeful of a spot in the Quarter-Finals, focus turns to the red-ball as Hampshire visit The Cloud County Ground.
The last time Essex turned out in whites was back at the end of May when they played Lancashire at Old Trafford. It turned out to be the best red-ball performance of the season as they trampled a high-flying Lancashire on their own turf.
A century for Dan Lawrence (120) and scores from Nick Browne (71) and Shane Snater (72) along with wickets for Sam Cook and Simon Harmer helped set up the quickfire win that took Essex up to 6th in the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One table.
Squad:
The return of red-ball cricket sees familiar faces Nick Browne and Alastair Cook return to the squad. Joining them is Shane Snater, who has recently returned to Chelmsford after his stint with the Netherlands ODI squad.
A notable absentee is Jamie Porter, who sustained a hamstring injury in a recent Second XI fixture. Matt Critchley remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained against Somerset in the Vitality Blast.
The Opposition:
Hampshire have enjoyed a strong start to the 2022 County Championship season. No Division One side has won more than their five games and as a result they are sat 2nd in the table.
After signing a contract at the beginning of the season, Nick Gubbins has excelled with the bat, averaging 54.30 so far this year. He has been well backed up by fellow new signing Ben Brown, after joining from Sussex he has scored 461 runs at an average of 46.10.
A large part of Hampshire’s success comes from their all-star bowling attack which has consisted of Mohammed Abbas, Kyle Abbott and Keith Barker. The three have taken a combined 80 wickets from Hampshire’s 119 so far this season, although Hampshire will be without Abbas for this fixture.
Despite having the least international experience, Barker has led the pack with 31 wickets at an average of just 18.80.
Hampshire squad: James Vince (c), Kyle Abbott, Keith Barker, Ben Brown (wk), Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, James Fuller, Nick Gubbins, Ian Holland, Felix Organ, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal.
Last time out:
The two sides last faced each other in red-ball cricket during the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy where the rain halted for just long enough to allow an Alastair Cook century, but settled in soon after to ensure the game finished in a draw without a single full-innings being played.
Their previous encounter was in the 2019 County Championship at Chelmsford, where a Simon Harmer-inspired Essex routed their opposition by an innings and 8 runs.
Batting first, Hampshire were restricted to 114 thanks to a Harmer 5/23, he was only just getting going. Essex’s response of 218 was propped up by 50s for Dan Lawrence and Ravi Bopara, but then the Harmer show was back on.
Hampshire could only muster 88 in their second innings, Harmer backing up his first innings haul with 7/38 in the second and finishing with astonishing match figures of 12/61.
How To Watch:
A live Stream service will be available across all four days of this game from 10:30am, which also includes player stats, scorecards and clips throughout the day.
The broadcast can be accessed via the Essex Cricket Matchzone here.
Red-ball cricket returns on Sunday as Essex are back in LV= Insurance County Championship action. Second-place Hampshire are the visitors as Essex look to continue their good form that started last month against Lancashire.
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: 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 60070.
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.
Middlesex: Stevie Eskinazi (c), Max Holden, Joe Cracknell, John Simpson (wk), Jack Davies, Luke Hollman, Martin Andersson, Chris Green, Jason Behrendorff, Thilan Walallawita, Toby Greatwood.
Essex Eagles: Adam Rossington (wk), Feroze Khushi, Michael Pepper, Dan Lawrence, Tom Westley, Paul Walter, Daniel Sams, Simon Harmer (c), Aaron Beard, Ben Allison, Sam Cook.
Match Details:
Umpires: Neil Mallender & Chris Watts Match Referee: Alec Swann Toss: Middlesex, who elected to field Result: won by runs
Sam Cook’s stunning triple-wicket maiden kept Essex Eagles in the hunt for a Vitality Blast quarter-final berth as they beat Middlesex by 21 runs at Lord’s.
Seamer Cook ripped the heart out of Middlesex’s top order with the wickets of Max Holden, Joe Cracknell and wicket-keeper John Simpson en route to figures of 3/23. Aaron Beard (2/22) and Simon Harmer (2/26) provided great support as the hosts capitulated to 140-8 chasing a victory target of 162, only Steve Eskinazi (43) and Jack Davies (41) putting up prolonged resistance.
Earlier, Dan Lawrence (51) and Tom Westley (50) set a new record for the fifth wicket against Middlesex with their stand of 84, eclipsing that of 63 by Paul Grayson and Andy Flower back in 2003, as the visitors reached 161-6 despite three for 16 from Chris Green.
Toby Greatwood, on his Lord’s debut, made an early breakthrough for Middlesex when Feroze Khushi nicked him to Simpson and after threatening to cut loose Adam Rossington was pinned in front by Jason Behrendorf (1/17).
The in-form Michael Pepper flowered briefly, hoisting Thilan Walallawita’s first ball into the Mound Stand, but fell trying to repeat the shot, and when Paul Walter also holed out in the deep off the impressive Green Essex were 67-4.
Lawrence and Westley rebuilt, the former taking heavy toll of the wayward Martin Andersson before lofting Walallawita for six as he reached 50 in 32 balls. Westley’s 50 was scratchier and saw him given three lives. Simpson failed to stump the Eagles’ skipper on 22, while Greatwood grassed a chance on 33, both off the luckless Luke Hollman, and Holden shelled a third opportunity when Westley had 48.
Fortunately for the hosts, neither half-centurion could kick on and only 11 runs came from the final three overs.
If their total looked a little light, Cook’s momentous over soon made it look much larger. Holden edged Cook’s first ball and though Rossington fumbled the chance, Harmer grabbed the rebound at slip. Cracknell lasted two balls before lobbing the gentlest of caught and bowled chances back to the bowler and the final ball saw Simpson brilliantly caught at second slip by Lawrence to leave the hosts in tatters at 9-3.
Jack Davies hit Harmer into the Edrich stand as he and Steve Eskinazi attempted a salvage operation, raising a 50 partnership off 41 balls.
When Cook returned Eskinazi struck him for six over point, but the run-rate required kept climbing and scoreboard pressure told when Eskinazi slapped one from Aaron Beard straight to Cook at cover to end the stand at 86.
Davies was caught in the deep in the next over and despite some late six-hitting from Behrendorf Essex won with relative comfort as Middlesex suffered an eight defeat in nine in the competition.
Vitality Blast
Lord’s, London | The Cloud County Ground
Thursday 23 June, 6:15pm | Friday 24 June, 7pm
With four games remaining in the Vitality Blast group stages, the Eagles are well-placed in third position in the South Group but will need a strong finish to be assured of a spot in the Quarter-Finals.
This week sees two pivotal fixtures as first the Eagles travel to Lord’s to face Middlesex on Thursday followed by a visit from table-toppers Surrey the following day.
Squad:
Dan Lawrence is back in the squad after time out through injury, however Matt Critchley has suffered a knee injury and is being assessed but will not feature in the squad to face either Middlesex or Surrey. Luc Benkenstein features in an Eagles T20 squad for the first time.
The Opposition: Middlesex
The Eagles will be looking to do the double over Middlesex after a comprehensive win at Chelmsford earlier this season.
Middlesex’s season got off to an incredible start as they won their opening three games against Gloucestershire, Hamphire and Glamorgan. However, since their fixture against Sussex at the start of the month, they have tailed off with just one win in their last seven games. That run of poor form has left them sat in 7th place in the South Group.
Since the injury of Toby Roland-Jones, who took 10 wickets in his opening 6 games, all-rounder Martin Andersson has stepped up with the ball. His 17 wickets have come at an average of 20.47 and makes him one of the leading wicket-takers in the competition.
Middlesex’s batting has been a cause for concern, with no batter averaging more than the 29 of Club Captain Stephen Eskinazi.
Head to Head:
Last time out: Middlesex
When the Eagles faced Middlesex at Chelmsford earlier this season, their opposition’s strong start was threatening to stall after three successive defeats. Their luck didn’t change as an Eagles side soaring at home completed a 61-run victory.
After losing the toss and being inserted, Essex romped along to an above-par score of 186-6 thanks to half-centuries for Feroze Khushi and Paul Walter.
Feroze Khushi was the standout batter, scoring 67 from 40 balls at the top of the order in his first T20 appearance at The Cloud County Ground in 2022. Paul Walter was also able to reach his half-century as he continued his great form with the bat, finishing on 58 off just 35 balls.
Middlesex’s response took a hammer blow with captain Stephen Eskinazi being bowled in the first over by Sam Cook. Wickets kept falling for Middlesex as batter made starts but didn’t push.
Matt Critchley and Sam Cook kept up their great form with the ball, both taking three wickets a piece as Middlesex were bowled out for 125.
Essex will travel to Lord’s with memories of their last T20 at the ground. A nail-biting fixture came down to the final ball, Simon Harmer again the man of the moment as he found the third man boundary to secure a breathtaking victory that conjured memories of the 2019 Final.
The Opposition: Surrey
Surrey have had an excellent 2022, going unbeaten in both red and white ball cricket. Their dominant start to the campaign is reflected in their position in the table, sitting top with 9 wins and a no result from their 10 games.
Their unbeaten start came the closest to being broken last time out against Somerset. Needing 4 runs to win from the final ball, McKerr found the cover boundary to hand Surrey a spot in the Quarter-Finals.
Will Jacks has been in sparkling form with the bat, scoring 320 runs at the top of the order and reaching 50 four times. He has been well supported by the likes of Jason Roy, Ollie Pope and Kieron Pollard, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Surrey’s bowling attack is much envied and has proved an effective weapon so far this season. Chris Jordan, taking the captains armband in his first season back at his old club, has picked up 14 wickets with an impressive economy of 7.37. However, overseas spinner Sunil Narine has proved even more economical, going at just 5.50 runs per over.
Head to Head:
Last time out: Surrey
Everything clicked for the Eagles when they travelled to the Kia Oval to face Surrey last season, eventually running out victors by 8 wickets.
Simon Harmer won the toss and elected to field, a choice that instantly reaped rewards as Aron Nijjar took the wicket of Hashim Amla off the first ball of the game.
That set the tone for the rest of the Surrey innings as they could only muster a well below-par 118 all out.
Sam Cook was the pick of the Essex bowlers, taking career-best figures of 4/15. He was well supported by the Eagles spin trio of Harmer, Nijjar and Lawrence, the latter picking up 2/15 in his 3 overs.
The Eagles’ batters were able to ease their way into the winnings, with Adam Wheater being the more aggressive opener scoring 30 off 19 balls alongside Will Buttleman who reached a run-a-ball half century. Michael Pepper (15*) joined Buttleman (56*) to see Essex over the line in the sixteenth over for a convincing 8 wicket victory.
How to Watch:
Thursday evening’s game against Middlesex will be live-streamed courtesy of a feed provided by our hosts and will be available via the Essex Cricket Matchzone.
On Friday, the Eagles return home and a live stream will be available through the Essex Cricket TV YouTube channel or via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, here.
Soar with the Eagles:
Tickets for the Eagles Friday night fixture against Surrey have sold out.
There is still limited availability for the Essex’s final game of the group stages against Glamorgan on Saturday 02 July. The game will get underway at 6:30pm and could well be decider for Quarter-Final places.
Join us for one final Friday night of Blast for the 2022 season as the Eagles take on Surrey with all eyes now on who can fill the Quarter-Final spots.
Gates Opening Times:
From 5pm 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: 6:30pm
First Innings: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Interval: 8:15pm – 8:30pm
Second Innings: 8:30pm – 9:45pm
Matchday Tickets:
Ticket’s for Friday night’s game have sold out, however limited availability remains for the Eagles final group stage fixture against Glamorgan on Saturday 02 July.
Supporters will not be able to purchase tickets on the gate, therefore, we encourage supporters to purchase tickets in advance of the game via our ticketing site with tickets available from £25 for Adults, £20 Students/Young Adults (18-25) and £10 Juniors (U18s).
These can be bought online via the following link or alternatively by phone (01245 254010).
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. Find out more – here
Please note that the Essex Cricket Store is the only location on-site which accepts cash payments.
Accessibility:
Accessible parking:
Spaces are located at The Cloud County Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located 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 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:
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 and closes at 11pm on weekday and Saturday fixtures and 7pm on Sunday 19 June.
• 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. Please enter through the gate nearest your seat location.
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.
General Public Seating:
• Supporters who have purchased tickets can enter the ground by scanning the QR on your tickets that has been sent to you via email following your purchase. If you choose to print out your ticket, please ensure that the match details (including name and seat details) are included as per the image below. Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone or printed out so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your QR code as that will not be read by the scanners.
• The Eagles Area is unallocated and seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
• 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 not permitted to enter the field of play during a T20.
• 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. Scorecards will be available from the Club Store for £1 which can be paid for with either cash or card. The Club Store will also be running special discounts for each home Vitality Blast fixture, details will be communicated over the PA on the day 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 ‘RESPECT’ including your stand and issue to 60066.
Essex Cricket Supporting Pride:
During Friday evenings fixture against Surrey, Essex Cricket will be showing support for Pride. In attendance at the game will be Chair of Essex Pride, Garry Ormes, who will be holding a stand to talk to supporters about the work Essex Pride does within the LGBT+ community. Find out more here.
Food & Drink:
• 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 home-cooked meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located in the Hayes Close End, River End and will also be operating a Food Court outside the Essex Cricket Club Store.
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 non-alcoholic beverages, provided they in plastic bottles.
• 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 game, 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 T20 Live Stream returns for the 2022 season with multi-angled ball tracking, replays and an in-house commentary team consisting of presenters and past-players. 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.
Essex Cricket are delighted to announce a partnership with Essex Pride, an annual celebration of LGBT+ life in Essex, that will see the Eagles Vitality Blast fixture against Surrey dedicated to embracing equity.
This reaffirms Essex Cricket’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and the positive steps the Club has taken to increase participation amongst underrepresented communities.
Essex Eagles’ Vitality Blast fixture against Surrey on Friday 24 June has been chosen as a celebration of Pride with Essex Pride itself taking place the following day across the river in Central Park.
Essex Cricket will also take part in Essex Pride’s march, the first held in the county, as it makes its way through the centre of Chelmsford at 11:40am on Saturday 25 June.
Garry Ormes, Chair of Essex Pride, will be hosting an Essex Pride stand, which will be based by the Tees River Gate and provide information about ways you can support Essex Pride and the wider LGBT+ community.
On Essex Pride’s partnership with Essex Cricket, he said: “We were delighted to be contacted by Essex Cricket, who wanted to help raise awareness about Essex Pride.
“As a not-for-profit charity, we rely on the support on local businesses to promote the work we do within the LGBT+ community.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Essex Cricket fans to learn about the LGBT+ community, but also a way of showcasing the great work Essex Cricket are carrying out to make cricket inclusive and a safe and welcoming space for all people.”
Essex Eagles Captain, Simon Harmer said: “We embrace cricket fans from all backgrounds and walks of life, that is reflected in our dressing room and our Club as a whole.
“As Essex players, we want the support of all cricket fans in the county and so initiatives like this are fantastic to show that cricket is a sport for all.
“Most of all we want cricket fans to know that whoever you are, you will be welcomed as part of Essex County Cricket Club, and your support will be appreciated.”
About Essex Pride: Essex Pride is an annual celebration of LGBT+ life in Essex and beyond. Establishing itself since it began in 2003 as a cornerstone event showcasing Essex’s successful approach to diversity and inclusion, and even becoming a factor in Chelmsford being granted City Status in 2012 by her Majesty The Queen.
This is an event for the whole community, and its more than just a huge party. Pride inspires everyone to embrace equity, and demonstrates that people from all walks of life can join together and celebrate diversity.
Essex Pride is a not-for-profit registered charity, run on behalf of the LGBT+ community of Essex by a volunteer board of Trustees. All proceeds from ticketing and fundraising go towards the operational and running costs of Essex Pride.
Tickets for Essex Pride can be purchased via their website.
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