It comes as no surprise to learn that skipper Ronnie Irani is upbeat about Essex's chances this summer.

Irani reckons his team have had a good pre-season and is confident the players will do themselves justice while giving members plenty to enthuse over.

Cut above - Ronnie Irani hopes to cut down the division one opposition as easily as the grass on the New Writtle Street pitch Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

"Of course it will be tougher in the first division but we have matured and improved as a team and now is the time to kick on," the team captain said.

"I'm optimistic we'll do that. I'm aiming for a top three finish in the championship.

"And there is every reason to believe we will again be a force in the limited overs competitions when you look at the strength of our batting. We should get a stack of runs."

But Irani knows Essex will have to steer clear of the sort of injury problems the club had last summer.

"Sometimes we were without three bowlers at the same time because they fell victim to the injury jinx, while I was missing for several games because of England duties," he explained.

"Looking back it was amazing that we did so well last summer considering the problems we had to overcome."

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo