Rotten start

Just after half-time in the Championship Essex have played nine, won zilch. It is their worst start to a Championship season since 1953, when they went 12 games without a win. The glimmer of hope is that 51 years ago they still finished 12th with eight wins. Of course, they did play 28 games back then. This time Essex have only seven games to turn around a start that will have surprised even their most fatalistic supporters.

They will, with a little bit of luck, have the services of a fit Ashley Cowan to assist. The fast bowler, who missed the entire 2003 campaign through a knee injury, has yet to play in a four-day game this year after recovering from his operation.

Graham Gooch, head coach, says: "We've not been getting the results we've expected. We were unlucky three games in a row when we should have won. The return of Cowan will be a boost. He looks sharp and he's done well just to be back on the field."

A fit again Ronnie Irani would be a boost but his failure to play two consecutive Championship matches does not bode well for the skipper or the team. DB

Moment of the month Top of the first Spirit of Cricket table. Good guys always finish last.