Dateline: Wednesday, 31st March 2010 and David Masters bowls the first over of the new season at the Ford County Ground as Essex entertain Worcestershire in a friendly tussle....



The weather was predictably poor and spectators didn't turn out in, er, huge numbers. However, it was good to see some youngsters popping over to watch their County heroes in early season action. I think we may see the seats somewhat more populated when the Twenty 20 bandwagon rolls into Chelmsford in June...



A week on: Wednesday, 7th April 2010 and I'm not long back from the annual Press Day and Photo Call. There was a bumper turnout of snappers and scribes as Essex CCC prepare for their return to the top flight of the County Championship.

Spirits were high amongst the assembled players, not least James Foster who was clearly raring to go...



As is the norm nowadays, several team photos are the order of the day - different kits are required for the various disciplines of the game. I won't pretend to be a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist, but I really do like to see the lads in their whites for a squad line-up pic...



If you've got a few minutes to spare, there's a slideshow of the images from the shoot playing below... and, of course, the usual gallery can be seen HERE.



Also, don't forget to visit our sister site, CRICPICS, for even more coverage of the first class game!

Labels: Cricket, Essex, Essex CCC, Ford County Ground, Images, Photos, Press