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Hampshire Hawks v Essex Eagles

Vitality Blast

The Ageas Bowl

Team News:

Hampshire Hawks: Ben McDermott (wk), James Vince (c), Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, Toby Albert, Ross Whiteley, James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Chris Wood, Mason Crane, Brad Wheal

Essex Eagles: Adam Rossington (wk), Feroze Khushi, Michael Pepper, Matt Critchley, Paul Walter, Tom Westley, Simon Harmer (c), Aron Nijjar, Shane Snater, Ben Allison, Sam Cook

Match Details:

Umpires: Benjamin Debenham, Steve O’Shaughnessy & Dean Cosker
Toss: Hampshire, who elected to bat
Result: Hampshire win by 32 runs

Scorecard: View Here

Match Highlights:

Brought to you by Trade Nation

Match Report:

The Essex Eagles fell short in chasing down 156 at The Ageas Bowl on Thursday night to slip to defeat in the Vitality Blast.

James Fuller continued his renaissance season for the hosts by claiming 4/30 as the Hawks made it three on the bounce.

After winning the toss, Hawks skipper James Vince elected to bat and it was Ben Allison who made the breakthrough on his way to career-best T20 figures of 3/33.

The Colchester-born seamer had McDermott edging behind for 4 in the third over and the Hawks 11-1.

That brought Prest to the crease, and the 19-year-old batted with confidence to reach 30 before he was caught at cow corner by Allison off Critchley, who claimed figures of 3/25 from his 4 overs.

Hampshire skipper Vince battled his way to 44 on a tough wicket before falling to the same caught Allison bowled Critchley trap, whilst Weatherley scored a quickfire 38 from 26 balls to propel the host’s score to 155-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

The Eagles’ reply started nicely, with Khushi, making his first T20 appearance of the season, slapping Wood for a straight six. However, he was bowled by Fuller shortly after for 11 with the score 22-1.

Conditions had worsened and the rain was now swirling around, which made it equally difficult for both batters and bowlers/fielders.

Michael Pepper was given a life before he had scored when Chris Wood dropped a clanger, something Liam Dawson didn’t repeat to dismiss Adam Rossington for 13.

Pepper was caught and bowled by Mason Crane for 10 and Critchley slapped to deep cover as the drizzle got heavier, with the Eagles slipping to 62-4 and further behind the DLS par.

Paul Walter holed out after an enterprising 27 and Simon Harmer was then bowled by Fuller for 8.

Wood and Wheal then combined for a good display of death bowling to dismiss Tom Westley, Nijjar, Allison and Sam Cook in the final 3 overs, with Hampshire Hawks claiming victory by 32 runs.

Hampshire Hawks v Essex Eagles | Essex Eagles v Middlesex

Vitality Blast
The Ageas Bowl, Southampton | The Cloud County Ground
Thursday 09 June, 7pm | Friday 10 June, 7pm

 
The Eagles started a crucial week of Vitality Blast cricket in fine style last night as they secured a convincing victory against Kent Spitfires, maintaining their winning streak at home.

It was the first of three games in the week for the Eagles as they next face Hampshire Hawks in Southampton on Thursday before they return to Chelmsford to face Middlesex the following day.

Yesterday’s win over Kent, the second of the season, lifted the Eagles to third in the South Group table.

Squad:

A 14-man squad has been named for the back-to-back fixtures with Feroze Khushi being added to the 13 players named in the squad to face Kent Spitfires.

The Opposition: Hampshire Hawks

After a surprisingly slow start to the competition for the two-time T20 champions where they lost four on the trot, including a heavy loss at the hands of the Eagles, the Hawks have recovered in recent days.

A season of two halfs for Hampshire started with fairly heavy losses at the hands of Middlesex, Somerset, the Eagles and Surrey respectively. However, a promotion to the top of the order for captain James Vince triggered a return to form for Hampshire who have since beaten Sussex Sharks and Middlesex. With the two victories from their first six games, the Hawks are 8th in the South Group table.

Ben McDermott and James Vince lead the run-scoring charts for the Hawks with 239 and 181 runs respectively. Both also have two half-centuries each, the only Hawks batters to reach the landmark this year, both coming in the two recent victories.

With the ball, Liam Dawson is the leading wicket-taker with 8 wickets at 15.25 and an impressive economy of 7.17.

Head to Head:

Last time out: Hampshire Hawks

Last time out against Hampshire Hawks was Essex Eagles’ first home game of the 2022 Vitality Blast and a packed crowd saw Essex notch their second victory of the campaign.

The Eagles won the toss and decided to field, a decision that was rewarded as the Hampshire batters struggled for momentum, with Sam Cook bowling accurate overs that stopped the scoring; his first over was a wicket maiden.

The Hawks, on 59, lost Ben McDermott at the start of the eleventh over. They needed the middle order to provide some resistance and, most notably, Weatherley provided that by scoring 37 before Harmer took his second of the game with a sharp caught and bowled.

Essex returnee Liam Dawson and all-rounder James Fuller scored some much-needed late boundaries to drag Hampshire up to 150-6.

Essex’s response didn’t get off to the greatest of start as opener Buttleman was caught and bowled for just 9 in the second over. Rossington followed him back to the pavilion just a few overs later, but only after some positive batting had moved the score on to 52-2 .

But this was to be the last of the Essex wickets to fall, as Michael Pepper and Matt Critchley smashed the Hampshire bowlers all over the park. Player of the Match Michael Pepper, who hit 9 fours and 4 sixes, scored a match-winning 75 off just 42 balls. Accompanied by Matt Critchley, who himself hit 5 fours and 2 sixes, as he scored 45 off 24 balls.

The Opposition: Middlesex

Middlesex’s start to the competition is nearly the complete reserve of Hampshire’s. After winning their opening three games they were sat near the top of the table and looking well-placed, but three defeats on the bounce has left them in 6th position in the South Group table and needing a win.

After an excellent run of form in 2021, Stephen Eskinazi has once again been at the fore of Middlesex’s success, scoring 208 runs at 34.66 with an incredible strike rate of 170.49.

Martin Andersson and Toby Roland-Jones have been Middlesex’s stand-outs with the ball. Andersson has 10 wickets at 18.90 and Roland-Jones has 9 at just 15.33. However, no Middlesex bowler has an economy rate of below 8 runs per over, a stat they’ll be wanting to change.

Head to Head:

Last time out:

The Eagles last faced Middlesex in July 2021 when a tight encounter ended in a Middlesex victory at The Cloud County Ground.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Middlesex amassed 169-5. Their innings was propped up by a 60 for Sam Robson and some late-order hitting from Daryl Mitchell whose 43 included three maximums.

It proved slightly too much for the Eagles who fell 9 runs short as Tom Westley, Dan Lawrence, James Neesham and Josh Rymell all got scores but couldn’t go on.

How to Watch:

Thursday evening’s game against Hampshire Hawks 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:

The Cloud County Ground has been rocking so far this Vitality Blast season with the Eagles winning both of their fixtures.

A final 100 tickets have become available for Friday’s nights fixture against Middlesex. You will be able to purchase them by clicking the button below but act fast as they won’t be available for long.

The Eagles look to make it three from three at home as Middlesex visit are the latest side to visit Chelmsford.

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:

The Vitality Blast is not part of Membership packages but tickets are available online or over the phone.

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.

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.

>> Visit Matchzone

Law Changes for 2022:

A number of new cricket rules have been introduced for the professional game in 2022, which can be viewed here

We hope our fans enjoyed another fantastic evening of Vitality Blast cricket at Fortress Chelmsford on Tuesday evening.

For those enjoying the match away from The Cloud County Ground, we unfortunately experienced an unavoidable issue with our Live Stream and a fraudulent copyright claim, which resulted in YouTube ending our broadcast and removing the match from our account.

We are aware of similar incidents taking place across county cricket and have informed YouTube directly to resolve this matter to prevent this from happening to Essex or other clubs in the future.

Our production team were able to set up a Facebook Live stream of the match, which was the only solution to broadcast the conclusion of the match.

We fully understand the frustrations of our viewers and supporters who were not able to watch the exciting finish of the match.

For what it’s worth, here are those winning runs that were broadcast via Facebook Live. We appreciate it isn’t the same experience but certainly enjoyable viewing…

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires

Vitality Blast

The Cloud County Ground

Team News:

Essex Eagles: Adam Rossington (wk), Will Buttleman, Michael Pepper, Matt Critchley, Paul Walter, Tom Westley, Daniel Sams, Simon Harmer (c), Aron Nijjar, Ben Allison, Sam Cook.

Kent Spitfires: Tawanda Muyeye, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Jordan Cox, Grant Stewart, Sam Billings (c&wk), Alex Blake, Jack Leaning, George Linde, Qais Ahmad, Matt Milnes, Fred Klaassen.

Match Details:

Umpires: David Milnes & Paul Pollard
Match Referee: Steve Davies
Toss: Essex, who elected to field
Result: Essex win by 7 wickets

Scorecard: View Here

Match Report:

Michael Pepper showcased his outrageous hitting for a second successive Tuesday night as Essex Eagles thrashed Kent Spitfires by seven wickets in the Vitality Blast.

Batter Pepper shook out a personal best 75 not out against Hampshire Hawks last week and followed that up by punching 50 as the Eagles knocked off 131 with 27 balls to spare.

A sensational team bowling powerplay had earlier set the platform to stunt Kent, as Daniel Sams, Sam Cook, Ben Allison and Matt Critchley all eventually snared two wickets each.

Essex are in the quarter-final hunt with three wins from six games and boast an unbeaten start at home. Kent, on the other hand, are rock bottom with a solitary victory.

The Eagles decided to bowl first and vindicated their decision with an impressive display of powerplay bowling to leave the Spitfires 24 for four, a minor recovery from 17 for four. Daniel Sams, Sam Cook and Ben Allison all bowled two overs, with stunning figures of one for seven, one for three and two for nine respectively.

Australian Sams produced a snorter to have Daniel Bell-Drummond caught at first slip in the first over, before T20 debutant Tawanda Muyeye holed out to Allison at deep midwicket and Jordan Cox tickled to a juggling short fine leg two balls later. Cook completed the ruthless start when Grant Stewart miss-hit to point.

Alex Blake attempted to readdress the momentum by striking back-to-back sixes, as Aron Nijjar went for 21 in his sole over. But despite partnerships of 29 with Sam Billings – who was brilliantly caught and bowled by Simon Harmer – and 27 with Jack Leaning, setting a total was laborious.

Leg spinner Matt Critchley bowled Leaning and had George Linde slicing to Sams at point. It was one of four catches for Sams which equalled Essex’s T20 record – set by Dan Lawrence in the same fixture last year.

Freddie Klaassen produced a scarcity believable powerplay bowling performance in bowling a maiden and then a wicket maiden – having bowled Adam Rossington. But Pepper picked up from his heroics here last week.

A four over extra cover got his eye in before he carted Matt Milnes back over his head with a well-middled six.

Buttleman ended his run of three single-figure scores by opening up the off side with a trio of boundaries. But departed when Blake unleashed his inner Harlem Globetrotter to reach the ball, pop the ball up, roll over and complete a jaw-dropping diving catch.

Pepper added three more maximums off the spinners before he moved to a third format fifty from 28 balls. He fell when he top-edged a sweep to short fine leg, but Critchley and Paul Walter – who struck three massive sixes – ticked off the remaining 46 runs with little problem.

Cast your vote for the DeVines Player of the Month for May. This period saw the Essex team continue their rounds of the LV= Insurance County Championship games as well as making their debut appearance for this season’s Vitality Blast tournament.

At the start of the month, Paul Walter’s maiden first-class century lit up a day in which Essex managed to maintain the upper hand against Yorkshire in the LV = Insurance County Championship Division One clash. Walter carried this enthusiasm into the opening game in this year’s Vitality Blast, helping to secure the first victory for the Essex Eagles this season.

Matt Critchley had the Eagles’ best bowling figures with one for 16. But was backed up as well by spin duo Aron Nijjar and Skipper Simon Harmer, who also took key Wickets.

The four players nominated for the award are:

Matt Critchley

In imperious form, Matt Critchley was there at the end of Essex’s dominant win against Hampshire as he scored 45*. Increasing his already brilliant average to 61.50 from the opening three games on the T20 Blast, which included 60 against Somerset, which helped Essex to a competitive total in Taunton.

Simon Harmer

May was another amazing month for the South African all-rounder, as he helped with both bat and ball in both red and white ball. Starting the month, playing red ball Harmer scored 50 against Yorkshire and taking five wickets against Lancashire.
Moving into white ball, Simon helped Essex to their first win on the opening day of the competition against Kent as he was there to score the winning runs, scoring 21* off 11 balls. Throughout the Vitality T20 Blast in May Simon Harmer has also kept a good economy while taking wickets, as he’s taken 5 wickets at an average of 22.6.

Paul Walter

At the start of the month, Paul Walter scored his maiden century (141) for Essex against Yorkshire, which showed great character after multiple scores in the 90s.
Paul has also played a pivotal role in the Vitality T20 Blast campaign so far, with an average of 40.5. This included a match winning 47* against Kent in the Eagles first match of the season.

Michael Pepper

Growing into the team, Michael Pepper played two match changing innings in May. One came as he took apart the Hampshire bowlers to score 75* in the first home Vitality T20 Blast game of the season, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes. Also scoring an important 37 runs in the loss against Somerset earlier in the month.

The Eagles return home after back-to-back scheduled away fixtures and a Battle of the Bridge clash against Kent Spitfires awaits for Game 6 of the Vitality Blast.

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:

The Vitality Blast is not part of Membership packages but tickets are available online or over the phone.

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.

• 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.

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.

>> Visit Matchzone

Law Changes for 2022:

A number of new cricket rules have been introduced for the professional game in 2022, which can be viewed here

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires

Vitality Blast
The Cloud County Ground
Tuesday 07 June, 7pm start

 
Essex Eagles are looking to return to winning ways and have named a 13-man squad for the visit of Kent Spitfires to The Cloud County Ground this Tuesday for the latest edition of the Battle of the Bridge.

Simon Harmer’s side opened their T20 campaign to the Spitfires at Canterbury last month and successful chased down 185 to claim the bragging rights over the local rivals.

Since then there has been another victory, which came against Hampshire Hawks in the only T20 at Chelmsford so far this season, whilst defeats to Somerset and Glamorgan and a no result against Gloucestershire put the Eagles 6th in the table.

Squad:

Opposition:

Last year’s Champions haven’t had the best of starts in defending their T20 title, having lost their first five games consecutively. Last night, at the 6th time of asking, the Spitfires recorded their first victory, coming gainst Middlesex at Canterbury.

Joe Denly was the star of the show, scoring 110 from 58 balls which included 6 sixes and 9 fours to give Kent a score of 192-8 after their innings.

Middlesex never really got into a rhythm, with Steven Eskinazi top-scoring with 30. Jack Leaning was the pick of the Kent bowlers, taking 3/30 from his 4 overs to help his side to a 55-run victory.

Head to Head:

Last time out:

Essex Eagles faced their local rivals the Kent Spitfires at Canterbury in the opening game of the 2022 Vitality Blast. It was a successful trip for the Eagles as they completed a four wicket victory in the final over of the game.

The Spitfires decision at the toss to bat looked a good one as both openers played fluently throughout the powerplay. Daniel Bell-Drummond, however, fell shortly after the restrictions were lifted with the score on 62.

Spin was effective on the Canterbury pitch with Harmer following Nijjar in picking up the wicket of a Kent opener with Zac Crawley falling lbw for 40.

Nijjar and Ben Allison followed up with tight overs as the scoring rate slowed before Sams and Critchley, who was the pick of the Essex bowlers, took wickets in consecutive overs. This left Sam Billings and George Linde to carry the Kent total to 184-4 with some attacking shots in the closing overs.

In response, Essex’s chase started with a flurry of boundaries as the new opening partnership of Adam Rossington and Will Buttleman flourished.

The Eagles kept up with the scoring rate, but a steady flow of wickets left the Spitfires with a window of opportunity. However, the Paul Walter guided the team home with a nerveless 47 not out.

How to Watch:

There will be a Live Stream of the match from The Cloud County Ground available. You can watch the game via the Essex Cricket TV YouTube channel or the Essex Cricket Matchzone, which also includes a live scorecard, statistics and key clips of the action.

Access via the Essex Cricket Matchzone is available here.

Tickets:

There are a limited number of tickets still available for tomorrow night’s rerun of the Battle of the Bridge. You can purchase tickets via the button below.