Essex County Cricket Club’s first team were at the Blues’ Playford Road training ground this morning as they prepare for their 2015 season.

The Essex squad spent time with the Town U21s with the senior players having been given the day off following last night’s 1-0 victory over Bolton.

The likes of Reece Topley, Jaik Mickleburgh and Tom Westley were amongst those to cross the border into Suffolk but England captain Alastair Cook, his international team-mate Ravi Bopara and New Zealand international Jesse Ryder are not currently with the squad.

Former Town chief executive Derek Bowden now works in a similar role at Essex, who are coached by Paul Grayson, the brother of Preston manager Simon.

Essex previously spent time training at Playford Road back in 2005 when Joe Royle was Town manager.

Photo: Action Images

itfchorry added 16:58 - Mar 18 Howzat ?
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jabberjackson added 17:22 - Mar 18 Jay Tabb - stumped
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jabberjackson added 17:23 - Mar 18 Daryl Murphy - all run out
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BaltachaFanClub added 18:20 - Mar 18 jaik is a mate of mine, but he ain't a blue
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Cakeman added 18:40 - Mar 18 As a local cricket umpire I have seen Jaik playing cricket in the Budgie county many times. I believe his roots are well in Norfolk. I do not know about his football allegiance though.
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Steelmonkey added 20:04 - Mar 18 Apparentley, their coaching staff have picked up some great tips like playing their star bowlers as wicket keepers.
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jonnysuave added 21:19 - Mar 19 You used to see loads of Ipswich shirts (and West Ham) at Chelmsford for Essex home matches. When Essex used to go to Lords for one of the one day finals, it was always a case of who had the most Ipswich or West Ham. Up the town, Super Essex
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