Cricket protege Michael Comber is gearing-up for a crucial season with Essex.

And the Academy star made the best possible start to his county season with a brilliant, all-rounders' performance in Essex's dramamtic match against Middlesex on Sunday.

Comber, from Clacton, made an undefeated 58 and then returned bowling figures of three for 26.

Middlesex eventually won the match, scraping home with four balls to spare, but Comber - who has been on Essex's books since he was ten - told the Gazette: "It was the perfect way to start what's a very important season for me.

"I was given another one-year contract with the Academy and my big aim between now and the end of the season is to win an Academy pro contract. That would be my ultimate dream.

"It was a hard batting track at the weekend and, although we lost in the final over, I was very happy with my performance.

"It's so important for me to impress this year as it's such an important season."

Comber, 18, is a former pupil at Holland Park Primary School and Clacton County High School and also plays for the town's cricket team in the East Anglian Premier League.

He is highly-rated by Essex, having already appeared for their second XI, and feels on track to fulfil his ambitions at the Ford County Ground.

"Things are going well for me but this summer is a big one for me," he said.

"I feel confident, though, and back on track after a very frustrating time, when I was out for eight months with a stress fracture in my lower back.

"Now, thankfully, I'm fully recovered but those months out gave me plenty of time to think about cricket and I know now more than ever how determined I am to make a go of it.

"I'm more passionate than I've ever been."

Comber joined the county's Academy in 2003, having progressed through the young ranks, and will be back in action for them again on Sunday, when they visit Surrey.