THE final season of the popular NatWest Pro40 gets under way on Monday, 13 July when Essex Eagles take on Sussex Sharks under the floodlights.
Having won the Division II title in 2008 hopes are high for Essex to win the Division I title in its final season. The winner keeps the trophy, so there is that added incentive.
Ahead of the start of the final season Paul Grayson, Essex First XI Coach spoke exclusively to www.essexcricket.org.uk, “The team are very much looking forward to the start of the NatWest Pro40 tournament. The 40-over competition has been a good one for Essex. We played really well last year in the competition and gave some great entertainment to the supporters, we aim to continue that”.
“In 2008 we got a lot of momentum and confidence going and that really helps. We have played fairly well in one day cricket this year, a bit of inconsistency cost us in Twenty20 this year, we have not been far away, we just fell away at the final hurdle. We enjoy playing 40-over cricket and get good crowds here, at Southend and at Colchester. We will go out to win the last forty-over competition as will a number of other teams. I believe we have the team to do this”.
“The supporters are great, they love one day cricket. We open against Sussex who are a strong side having won the Division I title in 2008. We know each other well and Monday’s game promises to be a good contest. Division I will be competitive this season, from day one we are looking to win this competition at the same time as gaining promotion to Division I of the LV County Championship. There is a lot of cricket still to play this season and the next couple of months will be very interesting”.
Paul explained how well Hashim Amla has settled within the Essex side, “He has been great, from day one Hashim has settled in very well. He is obviously a very good player and a great addition to the team. He keeps himself to himself. We look forward to some of our younger players picking his brains in the coming weeks. It is important he makes runs and gives a contribution to the side”.