Essex's Australian seamers key to success

Championship Division 2 Nat League Division 1 Captain Ronnie Irani Coach Ronnie Irani John Childs Overseas Players Andre Adams Andy Bichel Mitchell Johnson Benefit Paul Grayson Out Justin Bishop Andy Clarke Paul Grayson (retired)

Revolving door
Essex have brought in Andy Bichel to fill the overseas berth vacated by Danish Kaneria - but he will only be available for the second half of the season. Fellow Aussie seamer Mitchell Johnson, who bowled Queensland to victory in the Pura Cup final, was due to share the slot but had to pull out when called up by Australia. Essex opted not to replace Johnson and will rely on their young pace attack instead, although their captain Ronnie Irani admitted, "They are not the complete article yet - but have the talent to succeed."

Andre Adams fills the other overseas place. A shortage of wickets proved costly last season and it is hoped that the experienced Bichel can ease the burden on Darren Gough's knees.

Winter wonderland
Let Will Jefferson take up the story: "I was trying to open my bathroom window but it was stuck firm ... Unfortunately as I attempted to force it open, my hand went straight through the pane, cutting through my wrist and severing 70% of the tendon." After an operation Jefferson was told in early March it would take up to two months for the tendon to heal; he is likely to miss the first couple of weeks of the season.

Strengths
Wonderful balance in the top five: Alastair Cook, Jefferson, Ravinder Bopara, Andy Flower and Ronnie Irani is a perfect blend of youth and experience, pragmatism and spontaneity.

Weaknesses
Real worries about the bowling: Gough and Alex Tudor seem unlikely to play more than 10 Championship games between them, there is no Kaneria - and now there's no Johnson either.

Best-case scenario
Top-three Championship finish (winning the division is probably beyond them); their one-day side is good enough to push for a Lord's appearance in the C&G.

Worst-case scenario
Essex struggle to take 20 wickets in enough matches and promotion eludes them for the third year running.

Stepping up: Ravinder Bopara is maturing fast as an allrounder © Getty Images

Young one to watch
Ravinder Bopara. Increasing maturity. The next step is to follow Cook's lead.

Key man
Bichel. If he takes wickets, the side will probably be promoted.

What they say
"Our bowling let us down a bit last season but we feel the new overseas boys will win us matches this year," says the captain Irani. "Bichel has already more than proved himself at this level."

Mark Wagh
The key person for Essex this year may well be Mark Thomas, the physiotherapist. Essex have quality players but they are mostly ageing, ailing or both. Nevertheless they should have a strong enough squad for Division Two. The shorter form of the game may well suit their key players, so expect some strong one-day performances.

Predictions County Championship 3rd (D2) Pro40 4th (D1)
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An edited version of this article was first published in the May issue of The Wisden Cricketer.
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