Bob Taylor, the former England and Derbyshire wicket-keeper, has been signed up by Essex.

Now, the 62-year-old is not planning a comeback, but has been recruited by the County to give coaching sessions to James Foster and Mark Pettini.

Taylor's first tutorial for the duo will take place at Chelmsford next Wednesday and the Essex players could not wish for a better man to impart is knowledge.

In a Test career spanning 13 years from 1970 to 83 Taylor won 57 caps. Taylor was regarded as a a world class performer and would undoubtedly have appearance more often for his country if his batting had been as good as his glove work.

Meanwhile, Essex return to Totesport League duty against Warwickshire at Edgbaston on Sunday and could well have fast bowler Darren Gough back in their ranks.

He has been appearing for England in the recent NatWest Series and is available again after his country failed to qualify for tomorrow's final at Lord's.

A final decision will be made within the next 24 hours - and it is likely to rest with the player himself.

Essex make the trip to Birmingham in search of what will be only their third League victory of the season. And they do so with bitter-sweet memories.

Last May they thrashed their rivals by eight wickets in a League duel after bowling them out for 143, but 10 days later they suffered a three-wicket defeat in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy as Dougie Brown helped himself to a century.

But Ian Bell is the player Essex probably fear most -- and with good reason.

At Chelmsford last year he smashed 125 and followed it up with five wickets to inspire his side to a 125-run triumph.

Published Friday July 9, 2004

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