Will Jefferson is Essex's big doubt for Sunday's Norwich Union League clash against Hampshire at the Rosebowl.

The 21-year-old opener is still recovering from a back injury suffered in the Championship clash against Derbyshire last week.

And according to assistant head coach John Childs he "only has a 50/50 chance" of being declared fit to play.

Jefferson, along with other players sporting niggles, will have late tests before the squad is announced.

It will be cruel blow if Jefferson is ruled out, because he has hit a rich vein of form in the last couple of weeks.

He scored his maiden Championship century against Glamorgan and followed it up with another three-figure score against Middlesex in the NUL.

But John Stephenson is expected to play against his former county after being rested against India.

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Published Friday August 16, 2002

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