Essex don’t mind being regarded as the “whipping boys” of LV= Championship division one – because they are set to pull off a few shocks according to coach Paul Grayson.

The county season begins today, with newly-promoted Essex facing Hampshire at The Ford County Ground, Chelmsford (11am start).

And Grayson is not bothered that his side have been written off before the season has even started.

He said: “I know that some people are saying we are the underdogs and are going to be the whipping boys in the County Championship but I’m okay with that because I think we’ll shock a lot of people this year.

“Everyone is raring to go and there is an excellent mood around the dressing room.

“Our preparations have gone well and I don’t want people making a big issue about division one cricket just because we haven’t been there for a while. Hampshire is a decent side but we are a good side and if we stick to the basics and maintain all the things we’ve talked about, we’ll be absolutely fine this year.”

Essex go into the game under-strength, as they are missing key players Alastair Cook (resting), Ravi Bopara (at the Indian Premier League) and Danish Kaneria (in Pakistan until April 29). It leaves Essex with an inexperienced line-up, with a huge emphasis on young batsmen Billy Godleman and Tom Westley, who are set to line up in the top three.

Graham Napier is back from the Indian Premier League, where he failed to feature for Mumbai Indians, but he will come straight into Essex’s XI.

With Kaneria absent, Tim Phillips is Essex’s only spinning choice and they may choose to go without a frontline spinner, entrusting Westley’s occasional off-spin to provide another option if the seam attack are not making headway on what will be a green early-season wicket.

Essex squad: Mark Pettini (captain), Billy Godleman, John Maunders, Tom Westley, Matthew Walker, James Foster (wicketkeeper), Ryan ten Doeschate, Graham Napier, Tim Phillips, Chris Wright, David Masters, Maurice Chambers, Jaik Mickleburgh.