Essex suffered a major setback on and off the field in yesterday's Norwich Union League confrontation against Hampshire.

Ronnie Irani did not play in the Division Two clash due to a troublesome knee, which is also expected to keep him out of the Championship battle against Durham that starts at Colchester on Wednesday.

And then came a five-wicket defeat as the county failed to defend a 227-4 total, despite half-centuries from Darren Robinson and Andy Flower.

"Ronnie is due to have his knee looked at today, but in all honesty I cannot see him playing against Durham," revealed head coach Graham Gooch.

The all-round talents of the Essex skipper will be sorely missed at Castle Park.

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Published Monday August 19, 2002

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