Having won promotion back into the first Division of the County Championship, Essex face Middlesex in their first match beginning at Chelmsford today.

Since being relegated at the end of the 2001 season, there has been a significant change in both players and coaching staff and the new regime, under the guidance of Essex legend and guru Graham Gooch as Head Coach, made a startling impression last season.

Two promotions were gained plus an appearance in a Lord's Final as the county restored lost pride whilst rediscovering the ability to play attractive and entertaining cricket.

Undisputedly, a leading influence was Zimbabwean Andy Flower. One of the world's leading batsmen, the 34 year-old also endorsed his status as a wicket-keeper of high ability as he filled the vacancy left by James Foster who was sidelined for much of the season.

"Andy was outstanding both on and off the field," said Gooch.

"When you recruit a senior overseas player, you want a person who commands the total respect of all the players whilst he is able to offer his experience to make your own players better cricketers. Andy's contribution was immeasurable and we are delighted that he will be spending the whole season with us in 2003."

Scott Brant is the county's second overseas player although in his case, he is an unknown quantity. Just 20 years-old, he was born in Zimbabwe but moved to Australia with his family four years ago and only last year, made his debut for Queensland.

He comes highly recommended from no lesser leading lights than former Essex players Allan Border and Mark Waugh.

The left-arm fast bowler is likely to shoulder a heavy workload because Ashley Cowan will be out for the entire campaign having undergone major knee surgery.

Mark Ilott has left the club but otherwise, it's a case of as you were regarding the playing staff although it is hoped that the younger players such as Ravinder Bopara, Mark Pettini, Justin Bishop plus Andrew McGarry will continue their development to be pushing hard for first team places.

Gooch believes that one of the key factors his side need is the ability to consistently post big first innings totals.

He stated, "We are going to have to work very hard to ensure that we don't fail on the first innings. Last year, we chased big totals and got them but in the First Division, teams are not likely to give you that opportunity.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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