Essex begin a four-day Vodafone Challenge match against India today at Chelmsford with injury problems clouding selection of the side.

But vice-captain Paul Grayson could be set to return after nearly two months on the sidelines.

The all-rounder underwent a knee cartilage operation nearly seven weeks ago and his timely return will bolster the squad for their promotion push during the remaining weeks of the season.

"It's been frustrating to sit out the recent weeks," said Grayson. "But obviously I'm looking forward to playing my part on the field from here on.

"Having been out of action for a period of time, I'm short of match practice and having to play catch up, so I'm obviously keen to get a good, long spell in the middle if possible."

However, medium pacer Ashley Cowan is definitely out with the ongoing knee problem that prevented him bowling after lunch on the final day of the Championship win over Derbyshire.

Assistant coach John Childs said: "We have to be patient with Ashley and hope that with rest he may be able to compete for us in a number of vital matches between now and the end of the season."

For the tourists, this is the only match prior to the Third Test, which begins at Headingley next week, and they are expected to field a strong line up.

Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag and the characterful Harbhajan Singh are likely to feature.

The match could feature two of the current five Wisden cricketers of the year: Indian batsman Laxman and Essex overseas player Andy Flower.

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Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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