2021 County Championship – Essex vs Derbyshire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Essex vs Derbyshire taking place? Thursday 13th May, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Essex vs Derbyshire taking place? The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
What is the expected weather for Essex vs Derbyshire? Dry on Day 2, but a chance of light rain showers on Days 1, 3 and 4 with temperatures reaching highs of 14c over the four days.
Where can I get tickets for Essex vs Derbyshire? The County Championship will initially be played without spectators but it is worth checking each county’s official website for updates
What channel is Essex vs Derbyshire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Essex vs Derbyshire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of the First-Class Counties alongside the England Cricket App.
THE PREDICTION
This has so far not been the title defence Essex hoped for at the start of the season. The defending champions were thrashed by an innings and 30 runs against Nottinghamshire last time out and lie second-bottom of Group 1 having not won in their last three County Championship matches. The defeat highlighted once again the fragility of Essex’s batting line-up, who were dismissed for under 100 in their first innings for the second time this season. Here, they host Derbyshire for the first time in red ball cricket since 2016, with the visitors currently bottom of the table and without a win from their four matches played so far.
Already you get the feeling that both of these teams are in must win territory with only the top two from Group 1 qualifying into Division One. Essex are set to recall seam bowler Sam Cook, after he was rested vs Nottinghamshire and the 23-year-old should have a big part to play in this one. Whilst Derbyshire should have fast bowler Billy Stanlake available and their top order batting is resilient, Essex’s squad looks the superior one on paper and with home advantage in their favour, getting back to winning ways here is simply a must for them, providing the weather doesn’t scupper their hopes.
