unsorted

All too late

The highs and lows of the County Championships

Daniel Brigham
14-Jul-2005



Will Jefferson was the highest first-class run-scorer without an England cap © Getty Images
It was late July before Essex registered their first Championship win. If the yo-yo had characterised their previous four seasons - two promotions and two relegations - the wooden spoon was ominously poised to take its place. Despite defeats after first innings of 431, 642 and 500, a late revival included three wins, and a more settled side next season suggests they will not be waiting so long for a win then. Nineteen centuries in the Championship confirms that the batting is healthy, with Will Jefferson, James Foster and Ronnie Irani leading the way. Jefferson, 24, was talked about as an England prospect before 2003's poor form. This year he was fifth-highest first-class run scorer, behind four men who have played or are playing for England, and unlucky not to be called up to the Academy squad. "Jefferson's form has been excellent and he's made real progress this season," says the coach Graham Gooch. "The Academy is for fringe England players and maybe he's not quite at that stage. But, if he keeps improving at the rate he has done, he'll certainly make an impression on the England selectors." The bowling attack gained more bonus points than any side in either division but struggled to dismiss teams when under pressure. Signing a proven overseas pace bowler could change that, provided Danish Kaneria maintains the form that brought him 63 Championship wickets at 25 apiece. He has signed a two-year contract extension.

Player of the season: Will Jefferson - he scored 755 more Championship runs than last season
High: Darren Gough being picked for the England one-day side. It keeps him playing for more than free helicopter rides
Low: Losing to Glamorgan after scoring 642 in the first innings. Thus did the chance of third place slip away

This article was first published in the October issue of The Wisden Cricketer.
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