2021 County Championship – Essex vs Worcestershire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Essex vs Worcestershire taking place? Thursday 8th April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Essex vs Worcestershire taking place? The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
What is the expected weather for Essex vs Worcestershire? Dry on Days 1 and 2 with temperatures reaching 11c, a slight chance of light rain showers on Day 3, but dry again with sunny intervals on Day 4.
Where can I get tickets for Essex vs Worcestershire? 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 Worcestershire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Essex vs Worcestershire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites of the First-Class Counties
THE PREDICTION
The kings of red ball cricket in England, Essex are set to defend both their 2019 County Championship and 2020 Bob Willis Trophy in 2021. Placed in a favourable Group 1, it would be considered a significant shock if the reigning champion county were not to finish in the top two come the conclusion of this stage of the competition. They boast an even stronger squad from last season with the return of Australian Peter Siddle, who last played for the county in 2019 and will complement an already excellent bowling attack, although he won’t be available for this match. Worcestershire impressed in last season’s Bob Willis Trophy, placing second in their group after losing only to eventual finalists Somerset in their five first-class fixtures of the truncated campaign. Whilst England international Moeen Ali is on IPL duty, Worcestershire have secured the signing of West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who is available for their first seven County Championship matches.
However, Essex are an outstanding side at this form of the game and with Jamie Porter, Sam Cook and South African spinner Simon Harmer amongst their bowling attack, they will be confident of restricting Worcestershire to low batting scores in both of their innings despite Siddle’s absence. Harmer in particular provides a monumental threat, having taken the highest number of wickets in both the 2019 County Championship and last season’s Bob Willis Trophy. That, combined with the expected runs provided from the likes of Sir Alastair Cook at the top of the order, should prove decisive in Essex outclassing the visitors and getting their red ball campaign off to a winning start at Chelmsford, where they have not lost a first-class fixture since September 2018.
