Tough Trip For Essex

One interesting thing that will come from this match will be Worcestershire's opening bat, Stephen Peters, of course, formerly of Essex. Since moving to New Road, he has complied his career-best and that being a century in the Championship; something he never managed to do for Essex; and other various scores of around the 50 mark, including 71 in the last match vs Glamorgan.

Other Worcs players to look out for are their overseas star, Aussie Andy Bichel and Ben Smith, who is one of the best around. Their side looks strong in all departments, with keeper and veteran nowadays Steve Rhodes batting as low as number 9. Worcestershire will field the same XI as that against Glamorgan.

Essex make three changes in a bid for a win. Nasser Hussain on England duty means Richard Clinton will come in and bat at 3, while John Stephenson and Ravinder Bopara come into the 12-man squad at the expense (and in my view unluckly) Andrew McGarry. Stephenson is likely to get the nod over the 17-year old for the final place and should bat at 7, Dakin dropping to 8.

This is a tough one for Essex. Despite losing last week, Worcs have started the season superbly in all competitions and with Essex stuttering in the 4-day game, I would be surprised to see another defeat, or a bad draw. We need to win, but either way, I realistically can't see it with the side out.